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UNIVERSITY 


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LIBRARY 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/tokology01stoc 


TOKOLOGY 


A BOOK  FOR  EVERY  WOMAN. 


BY 

ALICE  B.'STOCKHAM,  M.  D. 


Maternal  love  ! Thou  word  that  sums  all  bliss ; 

Gives  and  receives  all  bliss,  fullest  when  most 
Thou  givest ! 

— Pollock. 


THIRTY-FIFTH  EDITION. 


Sanitary  Publishing  Co.,  159  LaSalle  St., 
Chicago. 


1885. 


Entered  affording  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1883, 
By  ALICE  B.  STOCKHAM,  11.  D„ 

In  the  rffiee  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


SU4-T 


THIS  BDQK  IS  DEniCHTED 
First  i 

to  my  Daughter 
whosE  faith  in  the  physical 
redemption  of  woman  "by  correat 
living,  has  been  a constant 
inspiration  in  its 
production  j 
Second i 
to  all  Women 
who  following  the  lessons 
herein  taught,  will  bB  saved  ths 
sufferings  peculiar  to 
their  sex. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  L 

INTRODUCTORY. 

Painless  childbirth — A traveler’s  testimony — Sufferings  in 
childbirth  greater  in  this  country  than  in  any  other — la 
this  a curse  upon  woman  ? — Indian  women  do  not  suffer  in 
labor — Dr.  Dewees — Prof.  Huxley — Remarkable  cases  of 
parturition  without  pain — Author’s  experience — Can  pain 
in  childbirth  be  avoided? — This  burden  upon  humanity 
can  be  removed — Anecdote  of  Dr.  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes. 

1-8. 


CHAPTER  II. 


CONCEPTION — PETAL  DEVELOPMENT. 

The  ovaries — Source  of  feminine  attraction — Contain  the  fruc- 
tifying principle — Creative  power  dependent  upon  them — 
The  oviducts — The  uterus — The  vagina — Conception — 
Where  takes  place — Time  of  impregnation — Law  of  con- 
ception— Development  of  the  embryo — The  placenta — 
Fetal  circulation — Blue  baby — Umbilical  cord — Healthy 
nutrition — How  obtained — Duration  of  pregnancy — Growth 
of  the  embryo.  9-21. 

CHAPTER  III. 

PREGNANCY,  SIGNS  AND  SYMPTOMS. 

Four  physical  signs — Cessation  of  menses — Increase  of  size— 
Quickening — F etal  heart  beat — Positive  indication  of  preg- 
nancy— Diseases  in  pregnancy — Physicians  offer  no  relief 
— A woman’s  sad  experience.  22-26. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

DISEASES  OP  PREGNANCY. 

Indigestion,  humanity’s  greatest  enemy — Starch  and  fats  the 
prime  cause  of  dyspepsia — Children’s  food  is  given  to  the 
pigs — Morning  sickness — Causes — Is  it  a natural  eymptcm? 


d 


CONTENTS. 


— Biliousness,  what  is  it? — Nausea  can  be  overcome — Do 
not  force  the  appetite — Tradition’steachings — Will  the  fe- 
tus starve? — Nourishment  required.  27-36 

CHAPTER  Y. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Nine  tenths  of  American  women  sufler  from  constipation — 
Cause  of  constipation— Hot  bread — Fine  flour — Cathartic 
drugs — Treatment  of  constipation — Regular  evacuations — 
Flour  of  the  entire  wheat — Cracked  or  rolled  wheat — How 
Charlie  was  cured — Feast  on  fruits — Foods,  laxative  and 
constipating — Exercise  needful — Perseverance  will  be  re- 
warded. 37-59. 

CHAPTER  YI. 

SYMPTOMS  OF  PREGNANCY  CONTINUED. 

Headache — Tea  and  sick  headache — One  ought  to  be  ashamed 
to  have  sick  headache — Headache  can  be  cured — Heart- 
bum — Flatulence — Hemorrhoids — Greedy  appetite — Loss 
of  appetite — Longings — Neuralgia — Case  from  practice — 
Cramps — Sleeplessness — Leucorrhea — Pruritus.  60-74. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

HYGIENE  OF  PREGNANCY. 

Congenial  surroundings — Overtaxed  mothers — An  old  lady’s 
story — An  every-day  experience — Lucrative  work — An 
author's  interesting  testimony — Prophecy  for  the  future — 
Dress  and  fashion — Common  sense  shoes — Can  ladies  stand 
in  street  cars  ? — Union  under- garments — Dress  and  freedom 
for  women — Dress  in  pregnancy — What  corset  can  be 
worn? — Fashion  in  deformity.  75-95. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

BATHING  IN  PREGNANCY. 

The  water  cure  mania — The  “ ounce  of  prevention  ” — “ A coat 
of  mail” — The  sitz-bath  the  very  best  bath  for  a pregnant 
woman — Fomentations — Plain  directions — Save  doctor’s 
visits — Hot  water  bottles — Cold  compress — Three  rule* 
must  be  observed — The  Turkish  bath — Thermal  bath  at 
home — Value  of  a Turkish  bath — Queen  of  baths.  96-110. 


00  .STENTS. 


ill 


CHAPTER  IX. 

DUET  FOR  PREONANCY. 

Ayoid  fata  and  sweets— Choice  of  food — The  chemist’s  theory— 
Proper  food  prevents  pain  in  childbirth — Mrs.  Rowboth- 
am's  experience — Marvelously  easy  labor  and  rapid  recovery 
— Interesting  testimony  from  the  wife  of  a Michigan  judge 

— Mrs. could  get  no  doctor  and  child  bom  without 

pain ! — She  believes  pain  in  childbirth  unnecessary — Extra- 
ordinary experience! — Scientific  theory  accidentally  proved! 
— Analysis  of  food — A boon  to  every  woman.  111-124. 

CHAPTER  X. 

EXERCISE  IN  PREGNANCY. 

Motion  a law  of  nature — Nest  building — Home  labor  delights 
the  heart — Contact  with  the  earth  a “cure-all” — Waist 
breathing — Massage — Military  position — Exercises  in  preg- 
nancy— Climbing  stairs  during  gestation — Rule*  for  climb- 
ing stairs  and  hills — Keep  the  mouth  closed — How  to  climb 
Pike’s  Peak.  125-136. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

CHASTITY  IN  THE  MARRIAGE  RELATION. 

Rights  of  children — Popular  theories — Social  evil — Who  are 
the  prostitutes? — Touching  experience — Lesson  for  hus- 
bands— Theory  of  continence — A New  Testament  lesson 
— Undisturbed  maternity — Continence  in  pregnancy— 
Practical  hints — Men  reverence  the  maternal  in  woman— 
Parenthood  and  progress — Motherhood,  central  fact  in 
human  life.  137-149. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

VENTILATION. 

A pregnant  woman  breathes  for  two — London  Lancet — Open  fire- 
places in  sleeping  rooms — Open  stoves — Charcoal  pit  easily 
constructed — Fresh  air  in  bedrooms — Cold  air  not  pure  air 
— The  nose  a sentinel — Unslaked  lime  and  charcoal — In- 
teresting experiments — A daily  siesta  needed — How  one 
mother  slept — Mrs.  Stanton’s  experience — A girl  is  as  good 
as  a boy — An  example  worthy  of  emulation.  150-161. 


IV 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
parturition. 

What  are  labor  pains? — Stages  of  labor — Bag  of  waters — Nec- 
essary preparations — Directions  for  making  the  bed — 
Food  and  clothing  of  the  patient — Management  daring 
first  stage — Obstetric  harness —Meddlesome  midwifery — 
Cutting  the  cord — A new  heresy — Popular  prejudice — No 
child  should  be  washed  as  soon  as  it  is  bom — Delivery  of 
the  afterbirth — Should  the  bandage  be  applied  ? — Castor 
oil — Rest,  the  best  remedy.  162-170. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

DIFFICULT  LABOR. 

Caustic  treatment  a frequent  cause — Hot  sitz-bath  overcomes 
rigidity — A very  remarkable  case — Notes  from  practice — 
Flagging  pains — Ergot  and  cohosh — Their  poisonous  ef- 
fects— When  ergot  should  be  taken — Instruments — Temp- 
tation of  physicians — Women  can  make  instruments  known 
in  tradition  only.  171-177. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

POST  PARTUM  TREATMENT. 

Daily  bath — Very  best  food— Cases  in  Home  of  the  Friend- 
less— No  need  of  milk  fever — Abscess  of  the  breast — Ex- 
coriated nipples — Insufficient  milk — Drink  new  or  hot 
milk— Excess  of  milk— After-pains — Lochia — Childbed 
fever — Summons  the  doctor — Causes  that  can  be  avoided — 
Childbed  fever  and  pyaemia — Dr.  Playfair’s  opinion — 
Treatment  must  be  prompt.  178-192. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

INFANTS,  THEER  CAKE  AT  BERTH. 

Need  of  rest — An  oil  bath — Dressing  the  navel — Clothing — 
Useful  suggestions — Habits  of  cleanliness  can  be  secured — 
The  custom  of  a man  midwife — Daily  bathing — Nursing 
—Mother’s  milk  the  natural  food— The  best  artificial  food 
— Causes  of  mortality  in  hand-fed  children — Artificial  hu- 
man milk— Analysis  of  milk— Rubber  nipples— Time  of 
weaning.  192-204. 


OONTBHTS. 


▼ 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

DISEASES  OB  ITCPANT3. 

Excoriation — Colic — Mother’s  friend — Soothing  syrup — Beat 
remedies — Constipation — Diarrhoea — Croup  the  mother’s 
terror — False  and  true  croup — A sovereign  remedy — Diph- 
theria— Popular  remedies — Convulsions — Practical  sugges- 
tions. 205-224. 

CHAPTER  XVIH. 

ABORTION. 

Causes  of  abortion — Prevention — Treatment — Feticide — Via- 
bility of  embryo — Two  wrongs  can  not  make  one  right — 
Maternal  instinct  inherent — Incentives  to  produce  abortion 
— Unwelcome  children.  225-233. 

DIETETICS. 

Two  hundred  hygienic  recipes,  including:  Drinks  for  the  sick — 
Gruels — Jellies — Bread — Gems — Toast — Puddings — Eggs 
— Oysters  and  miscellaneous  dishes.  234-264. 


TOKOLOGY. 


CHAPTER  L 


INTRODUCTORY. 


PAINLESS  CHILDBIRTH. 

A traveler,  who  had  spent  many  years  in  foreigD 
lands,  whose  sympathies  and  occupation  brought 
him  in  close  relationship  with  all  classes  of  people 
and  gave  him  great  opportunities  to  understand  all 
conditions,  was  asked  if  child-bearing  was  attended 
with  as  much  suffering  by  women  in  foreign  conn 
tries  as  in  this.  He  answered,  “ I know  of  no 
country,  no  tribe,  no  class,  where  childbirth  is  at- 
tended with  so  mnch  pain  and  trouble  as  in  this 
country.”  In  India,  Hindoostan,  China,  Japan, 
the  South  Sea  Islands  in  South  America,  indeed,  in 
no  country  do  women  suffer  both  in  pregnancy  and 
parturition  as  they  do  in  this.  Possibly  among  the 
higher  classes  in  Europe  there  may  be  equal  suffer- 
ing; but  the  peasantry  every  where  are  comparative- 
ly exempt.  Dr.  Storer  says : “ There  is  pro- 
bably no  suffering  ever  experienced  which  will 
compare,  in  proportion  to  its  extent  in  time  with 
the  throes  ot  parturition.  Dr.  Meigs  says:  “ Men 
ran  not  suffer  the  same  pain  as  women.  What  do 


PAINLESS  CHILDBIRTH. 


you  call  the  pains  of  parturition?  There  is  no 
name  for  them  but  agony  ! ” 

It  is  too  true  that  women  go  down  to  death  in 
giving  birth  to  children.  Thousands  of  women 
live  to-day  in  this  country  who  believe  this  pain  is 
natural  and  can  not  be  alleviated  or  avoided.  “ In 
sorrow  thou  shalt  bring  forth  children  ” is  thought 
to  be  a curse  that  applies  to  all  women  of  all  time. 
Even  the  poet  tells  us: 

“ 'Tis  the  common  lot; 

In  this  shape  or  that,  has  fate  entailed, 

The  mother’s  throes,  on  all  of  woman  bom, 

Not  more  the  children,  than  sure  heirs  of  pain.”  „ 

If  this  pain  and  travail  is  a natural  accompani- 
ment of  physiological  functions — if  it  is  a curse 
upon  women,  then  why  are  the  rich,  the  enlighten- 
ed and  more  favored  daughters  of  earth  greater  suf- 
ferers than  the  peasantry,  the  savage,  the  barbarian, 
and  those  we  call  heathen? 

This  is  a subject  closely  allied  to  the  interests  of 
the  race.  American  women  in  education  and  en- 
lightenment, in  freedom  and  progress,  are  the  peers 
of  the  best  and  noblest  of  their  sex,  and  from  indi- 
vidual, social  and  national  interests,  ought  to  be 
conversant  with  all  that  pertains  to  this  subject 
We  find  in  woman  with  superior  education  and 
marked  intelligence  an  exaggerated  development  of 
the  emotional  nature  and  a corresponding  deterio- 
ration of  physical  powers.  Weakness,  debility,  and 
Buffering  is  the  common  lot  of  most  of  them.  Not 
one  in  a hundred  has  health  and  strength  to  pursue 
any  chosen  study,  to  follow  any  lucrative  occupation 


rAINLESS  CHILDBEBTH. 


3 


and  what  is  vastly  worse,  most  are  unfitted  for  the 
duties  and  perils  of  maternity. 

Dr.  Gaill ard  Thomas  says:  “ N either  appreciation 
of  nor  desire  for  physical  excellence  sufficiently 
exists  among  refined  women  of  our  day.  Oui 
young  women  are  too  willing  to  be  delicate,  fragile 
and  incapable  of  endurance.  They  dread  above  all 
things  the  glow  and  hue  of  health,  the  rotundity 
and  beauty  of  muscularity,  the  comely  shapes  which 
the  great  masters  gave  to  Venus  de  Medicis  and 
Venus  de  Milo.  All  these  attributes  are  viewed  as 
coarse  and  unladylike,  and  she  is  regarded  as  most 
to  be  envied  whose  complexion  wears  the  livery  of 
disease,  whose  muscular  development  is  beyond  the 
suspicion  of  embonpoint , and  whose  waist  can  al- 
most be  spanned  by  her  own  hands.  As  a result, 
how  often  do  we  see  our  matrons  dreading  the  proc- 
ess of  child-bearing,  as  if  it  were  an  abnormal  and 
destructive  one;  fatigued  and  exhausted  by  a short 
walk,  or  ordinary  household  cares;  choosing  houses 
with  special  reference  to  freedom  from  one  extra 
flight  of  stairs,  and  commonly  debarred  the  one 
great  maternal  privilege  of  nourishing  their  own 
offspring.  These  are  they  who  furnish  employ- 
ment for  the  gynecologist,  and  who  fill  our  homes 
with  invalids  and  sufferers.” 

Understanding  and  following  physiological  laws, 
pregnancy  ought  to  be  as  free  from  pathological 
symptoms,  and  parturition  as  free  from  suffering 
with  American  women  as  with  any  tribe  on  earth, 
or  even  the  lower  animals.  The  universal  testi- 
mony of  missionaries  and  travelers  is  that  the 


4 


PAINLESS  OHXLDBIKTH. 


squaws  of  our  own  Indian  tribes  experience  almost 
no  suffering  in  childbirth,  and  the  function  scarce- 
ly interferes  with  habits,  pleasures  or  duties  of  life. 
I have  myself  seen  a squaw  of  the  Ottawa  tribe  car- 
rying her  papoose  upon  her  back,  strapped  to  a 
board,  when  it  was  only  twenty-four  hours  old. 

Dr.  Dewees  says,  “ Pain  in  childbirth  is  a mor- 
bid symptom / that  it  is  a perversion  of  nature 
caused  by  modes  of  living  not  consistent  with  the 
most  healthy  condition  of  the  system,  and  that  such 
a regimen  as  should  insure  such  a completely 
healthy  condition  might  be  counted  on  with  cer- 
tainty to  do  away  with  such  pain.” 

The  great  English  scientist,  Professor  Huxley, 
says,  “We  are,  indeed,  fully  prepared  to  believe 
that  the  bearing  of  children  may  and  ought  to  be- 
come as  free  from  danger  and  long  debility  to  the 
civilized  woman  as  it  is  to  the  savage.” 

The  following  paragraphs,  from  one  of  the  essays 
in  Dr.  Montgomery’s  classical  work  on  Pregnancy, 
are  interesting,  as  giving  circumstantial  details  of 
cases  in  illustration  of  the  belief  in  the  practicabil- 
ity of  painless  parturition: 

“In  a letter  to  me,  Dr.  Douglas  states  .that  he 
was  called  about  six  a.  m.,  Sept.  26, 182S,  to  attend 
a Mrs.  D.,  residing  on  Eccles  St. 

On  his  arrival  he  found  the  house  in  the  utmost 
confusion,  and  was  told  that  the  child  had  been 
born  before  the  messenger  was  dispatched  for  the 
doctor.  From  the  lady  herself  he  learned  that, 
about  half  an  hour  previously  she  had  been  awak- 


PAHTLSS8  CHXLuDBIBTH. 


5 


ened  from  a natural  sleep  by  the  alarm  of  a daugh- 
ter about  five  years  old,  who  slept  with  her. 

This  alarm  was  occasioned  by  the  little  girl  feel- 
ing the  movements,  and  hearing  the  crying  of  an 
infant  in  the  bed.  To  the  mother’s  great  surprise 
she  had  brought  forth  her  child  without  any  con- 
sciousness of  the  fact. 

A lady  of  great  respectability,  the  wife  of  a peer 
of  the  realm,  was  actually  delivered  once  in  her 
sleep;  she  immediately  awakened  her  husband,  be- 
ing alarmed  at  finding  one  more  in  bed  than  was 
before. 

I have  elsewhere  mentioned  the  case  of  a patient 
of  mine  who  bore  eight  children  without  ever  hav- 
ing labor  pains.  Her  deliveries  were  so  sudden 
and  void  of  sensible  effort  that  in  more  than  one 
instance  they  took  place  under  most  awkward  cir- 
cumstances, but  without  any  suffering.” 

Dr.  J.  King,  in  his  work  on  Obstetrics,  speaks 
of  attending  cases  where  there  was  no  sensation  of 
pain. 

Some  very  marked  cases  have  come  to  my  own 
knowledge  proving  the  possibility  of  painless  la- 
bor. A neighbor  of  mine  engaged  me  to  attend 
her  in  four  different  confinements.  I never  was  able 
to  reach  her  before  the  birth  of  the  child,  although 
I only  lived  across  the  street  and,  according  to  her  in- 
junctions, always  kept  my  shoes  “ laced  up.”  She 
sent  for  me,  too,  at  the  first  indication  of  labor.  There 
was  always  one  prolonged  effort  and  the  child  was 
expelled.  The  heads  of  her  children  were  greatly 


PATHLESS  CHILDBIRTH. 


distorted,  showing  great  pliability  of  the  osseous 
structure. 

Another  lady  patron  had  two  children  without  a 
particle  of  pain.  With  the  first  she  was  alone 
with  her  nurse.  During  the  evening  she  re- 
marked she  felt  weary  and  believed  she  would  lie 
down.  She  had  been  on  the  bed  no  more  than 
twenty  minutes  when  she  called  to  her  nurse  sa}7- 
ing,  “How  strange  I feel  I I wish  you  would  see 
what  is  the  matter.”  When  to  their  astonishment 
the  child  was  born  1 

Two  years  later  I was  summoned  to  the  same 
lady  about  ten  at  night.  The  membranee  were  rup- 
tured, but  no  other  visible  indication  of  labor.  In- 
vestigation revealed  dilation  of  the  cervix  and  al- 
though she  soon  fell  into  a quiet  slumber,  I noticed 
regular  and  distinct  contractions.  The  child  was 
born  about  two  without  any  sensation  of  pain.  I 
have  no  doubt  in  her  previous  confinement  the  con- 
tractions went  on  the  same,  and  if  she  had  been 
one  to  mark  her  symptoms  closely,  she  would  have 
felt  them  as  one  feek  muscular  contractions  in  the 
performance  of  other  natural  functions. 

The  cases  that  have  been  cited,  so  far  as  is  known, 
were  persons  in  excellent  health,  and  some  were 
persons  of  exceptionally  fine  and  strong  constitu- 
tions. Dr.  Holbrook  in  his  “ Parturition  Without 
Pain,”  says:  “These  women  of  savage  nations  who 
bear  children  without  pain,  live  much  in  the  open 
air,  take  ’much  exercise,  and  are  physically  active 
and  healthy  to  a degree  greatly  beyond  their  more 
civilized  sisters.  These  instances  tend  directly  to 


FiJNLESS  CHILDBIRTH. 


7 


prove  that  parturition  is  likely  to  be  painless  in 
proportion  as  the  mother  is  physically  perfect  and 
in  a perfect  condition  of  health.  They  certainly 
tend  even  more  strongly  to  prove  that  pain  is  not 
an  absolutely  necessary  attendant  of  parturition. 

The  course  of  modern  scientific  investigation, 
however,  has  gone  far  to  justify  a belief  that  this 
terrific  burden  upon  humanity  can  be  almost  en- 
tirely removed.  That  the  pain  can  be  as  complete- 
ly done  away  with  as  the  danger  and  disfigurement 
from  small-pox.  At  the  same  time,  this  immeas- 
urable benefit  to  humanity  can  not  be  obtained 
without  proper  use  of  means,  and  the  continuance 
of  such  use  for  a considerable  period.  The  doc- 
trines of  the  ablest  thinkers  on  the  subject  will  be 
found  to  agree  in  this:  that  it  is  the  previous  life 
of  the  mother — the  whole  of  it,  from  her  birth  to 
the  birth  of  the  child — which  almost  entirely  deter- 
mines what  her  danger,  her  difficulty,  and  her  pain 
during  childbirth  shall  be.  Her  easy  or  difficult 
labor,  in  fact,  is  almost  entirely  her  own  work. 
Her  conduct  during  gestation,  it  is  true,  is  more 
immediately  influential  in  the  decision  than  re- 
moter periods,  and  is  or  may  be  very  greatly  more 
influential  upon  the  future  life  of  her  offspring 
than  even  upon  herself.” 

Dr.  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes  once  said  he  believed 
any  disease,  no  matter  how  virulent,  how  malignant 
or  how  deep-seated,  whether  it  was  cancer,  con- 
sumption or  cholera,  any  disease  could  be  cured  if 
the  physician  was  called  in  time.  But  in  his  wonted 
humor  he  added , “ there  are  cases  in  which  the 


8 


PAINLESS  CHILD  BEETH. 


physician  should  be  called  two  hundred  years  in 
advance.” 

While  with  Dr.  Holmes,  I believe  it  will  take 
years  to  eradicate  hereditary  taints,  and  thus  pro- 
duce men  and  women  of  physical  perfection ; still,  I 
do  know  that  any  woman  possessing  sufficient 
vitality  to  make  procreation  possible,  can  do  much, 
even  during  pregnancy,  to  alleviate  the  sufferings 
of  that  period,  as  well  as  the  final  throes  of  travail. 


CHAPTER  II. 


CONCEPTION. FETAE  DEVELOPMENT. 

The  reproductive  apparatus  of  the  female  con 
sists  essentially  of  ovaries,  oviducts  and  uterus 
The  ovaries  are  two  almond-shaped  bodies,  situ- 
ated about  two  and  a half  inches  distant  on 
either  side  of  the  uterus.  They  are  enclosed  in  the 
broad  ligaments  and  suspended  by  a thread-like 
cord  from  the  womb,  also  attached  to  the  outer  ex- 
tremities of  the  oviducts.  They  consist  of  a stroma 
in  which  vesicles  are  imbedded.  It  is  within  these 
vesicles  that  the  ova  or  eggs  are  found.  During 
the  child-bearing  period,  every  four  weeks,  an 
ovum  matures  and  bursting  through  the  vesicle, 
as  well  as  the  surrounding  membrane  of  the  ovary 
is  conveyed  to  the  womb  by  the  oviduct.  'While 
not  the  largest,  the  ovary  is  the  most  important  of 
the  generative  organs  of  a woman.  Tiiese  contain 
the  fructifying  principle,  and  also  give  the  charac- 
teristics of  sex.  These  mysterious  bodies  are  the 
grand  source  of  feminine  attractions.  Remove  the 
other  organs  and  yon  do  not  change  her  in  this  re- 
gard— remove  the  ovaries  and  she  becomes  mascu- 
line not  only  in  character  but  appearance.  Her  fig- 
ure changes,  her  voice  becomes  coarse  and  of  lower 
pitch,  her  throat  enlarges,  and,  in  most  instances, 
whiskers  appear.  Any  diseased  condition,  too,  of 
the  ovaries  produces  great  constitutional  as  well  ;3 


iO 


OVARIES OVIDUCTS UTERUS. 


emotional  disturbances.  Upon  these  apparently 
insignificant  structures  depends  the  creative  power 
of  the  race. 

The  oviducts  or  fallopian  tubes  are  minute 
cylindrical  tubes  or  openings  from  the  superior  and 
lateral  portion  of  the  uterus;  about  three  inches 
in  length  and  terminating  in  fimbriated  or  finder- 
like  extremities.  The  latter  are  minute,  muscu- 
lar bodies,  which,  when  the  ovum  bursts  through 
the  membrane  of  the  ovary,  grasp  it  like  fingers 
and  convey  it  through  the  oviduct  to  the  uterus. 
The  ovum  is  not  more  than  1-120  of  an  inch  in 
diameter,  and  the  cavity  of  the  oviduct  is  so  small 
that  it  will  not  more  than  allow  the  entrance  of  a 
hog’s  bristle. 

The  uterus  is  a pear-shaped  muscular  organ 
situated  in  the  inferior  straight  of  the  pelvis,  be- 
tween the  bladder  and  rectum.  It  is  less  than 
three  inches  in  length  and  two  inches  in  width, 
and  one  in  thickness.  It  is  pear-shaped,  the  cervix 
pointing  to  the  coccyx.  The  canal  or  opening 
into  the  uterus  through  the  cervix  is  small,  capable 
of  admitting  a probe  to  J of  an  inch  in  diameter. 
The  walls  are  muscular,  and  in  the  unimpregnated 
state  about  half  an  inch  in  thickness.  The  cavity 
of  the  uterus  is  small  and  conical,  having  three 
openings,  two  at  its  upper  portion  into  the  oviducts 
and  one  into  the  vagina.  The  latter  is  called  the 
Os  uteri  or  mouth  of  the  womb.  Its  upper  broad 
portion  is  called  th e fundus.  It  weighs  from  one 
to  two  ounces.  It  is  difficult  to  realize  how  very 
diminutive  this  organ  is  in  the  virgin  state,  espe- 


UTEKU8 — UTEKINE  LIGAMENTS — VAGINA.  11 

dally  when  we  consider  its  power  of  distension  in 
its  principal  office  of  giving  support  to  the  fetus. 

The  external  portion  of  the  uteru3  is  covered  by 
the  peritoneum,  a serous  membrane  which  is  con- 
tinuous with  the  lining  of  the  abdomen  and  cover- 
ing of  all  the  viscera.  The  uterus  is  held  in  place 
by  ligaments  formed  of  folds  of  the  peritoneum. 
The  broad  ligament  enveloping  the  oviduct  and 
ovaries  extends  to  either  side,  and  is  firmly  attached 
to  the  sides  of  the  pelvis.  The  round  ligaments, 
formed  from  obliterated  blood  vessels  of  fetal  life 
and  peritoneal  covering,  pass  from  the  upper  por- 
tion of  the  womb  to  the  outside  of  the  pelvis-bone  and 
terminate  in  muscular  and  cellular  tissue.  There 
are  also  folds  of  peritoneum  between  the  womb  and 
bladder  in  the  front,  and  the  womb  and  rectum  in 
the  back  that  assist  in  holding  it  in  position.  It  is 
besides  largely  supported  by  the  elasticity  of  the 
vagina.  So  well  sustained  is  the  uterus  that  only 
serious  violations  can  cause  deviations  of  position. 

The  vagina  is  simply  the  outlet  or  passage  from 
the  uterus  to  the  exterior  surface.  It  is  longer  in 
back  than  in  front,  being  from  three  to  four  inches 
in  front  and  from  five  to  six  inches  in  the  posterior 
portion.  Is  a cylindrical  tube  of  firm  elastic  tis- 
sue, capable  of  great  distension.  The  neck  of 
the  uterus  dips  into  the  upper  part  of  the  va- 
gina about  three  fourths  of  an  inch.  The  com- 
munication between  these  organs  is  the  cervical 
canal , which  in  health  is  found  closed,  admitting  a 
probe  with  difficulty.  The  uterus  and  vagina  are 


12 


VAGINA CONCEPTION. 


not  one  and  the  same  as  many  suppose,  yet  are  de- 
pendent upon  each  other. 

Conception  or  impregnation  takes  place  by  the 
union  of  the  male  sperm  and  female  germ.  "Whether 
this  is  accomplished  in  the  ovaries , the  oviducts  or 
the  uterus , is  still  a question  of  discussion  and  in- 
vestigation by  physiologists. 

The  ovum  or  egg  matures  and  is  taken  up  by  the 
fimbriated  extremities  of  the  oviducts  at  the  time 
of  menstruation.  To  reach  the  outer  world  it  must 
pass  the  length  of  the  oviducts,  the  cavity  and  canal 
of  the  uterus  and  vagina.  The  fructifying  princi- 
ple of  the  semen  is  called  zoosperms,  and  under 
strong  magnifying  power  are  seen  to  be  filaments 
endowed  with  power  of  propulsion. 

Once  entering  the  uterine  cavity  there  is  no 
reason  why  they  should  not  be  able  to  pass  into  the 
oviducts  or  even  to  reach  the  ovaries.  The  proba- 
bilities are,  impregnation  can  take  place  at  any 
point  in  the  generative  tract,  providing  the  ovum 
and  sperms  come  in  contact  during  their  viability. 
It  is  pretty  well  proven  that  the  ovum  after  matu- 
ration and  dislodgement  from  the  ovaries  may  re- 
tain its  life  from  six  to  eight  days,  and,  also,  be  that 
length  of  time  in  making  its  exit  from  the  uterus. 
That  the  sperms  are  viable,  also,  for  some  days,  if 
retained  in  their  own  element  at  a certain  temper- 
ature, has  been  established  quite  definitely. 

When  impregnation  is  desired  the  sexual  act 
should  occur  as  soon  as  possible  after  menstruation, 
the  impregnation  not  being  likely  to  take  place 


CONCEPTION EMBRYO. 


13 


after  the  sixth  or  eighth  day.  With  many  women 
the  ovum  passes  off  within  twenty-four  or  forty- 
eight  hours.  Some,  by  careful  observation,  are  able 
to  know  with  certainty  when  this  takes  place.  It 
is  often  accompanied  with  malaise , nervousness, 
headache,  and  with  some  actual  uterine  pain.  Also, 
a minute  substance  like  the  white  of  an  egg,  with  a 
fleck  of  blood  in  it,  can  be  seen  upon  the  clothing. 
Ladies  who  have  noticed  this  phenomenon  testify  to 
its  occurring  very  regularly  upon  the  same  day  after 
menstruation.  Some  delicate  women  have  ob- 
served it  as  late  as  the  fourteenth  day.  Can  con- 
ception take  place  after  sufficient  time  has  elapsed 
for  the  ovum  to  have  left  the  uterus?  Dr.  Cowan 
says:  “Sexual  excitement  hastens  the  premature 
ripening  and  meeting  of  the  germ- cell  with  the 
sperm-cell,  and  impregnation  may  result,  though 
intercourse  occurs  only  in  the  specified  two  weeks’ 
absence  of  the  egg  from  the  uterus.” 

Possibly  this  may  be  the  case  under  some  cir- 
cumstances, such  as  diseased  conditions,  or  long 
separation  of  husband  and  wife. 

Nourishment  and  development  of  the  embryo. — 
There  are  three  distinct  types  of  nutrition  in  the 
uterine  development  of  the  human  being: 

First — Yolk  nutrition. 

Second — Tuft  nutrition. 

Third — Placental  nutrition. 

The  period  of  yolk  nutrition  in  the  human  is 
brief  and  probably  variable.  The  minute  size  of 
the  egg  renders  it  impossible  for  it  to  furnish  nutri- 
ment any  length  of  time,  as  it  does  to  the  embryo 


14 


EMBRYO PLACENTA. 


of  the  fowl.  From  five  to  eight  days  after  concep- 
tion takes  place,  a membrane  is  formed  around  the 
ovum,  called  the  chorion.  Outside  of  this  is  still 
another  membrane  attaching  itself  to  the  womb. 
The  internal  surface  of  the  chorion  is  supplied  with 
villi  or  tufts  resembling  mulberry  seed.  Through 
these  the  embryo  receives  its  nutrition  until  at  the 
close  ot  the  second  month  from  these  tufts  the 
placenta,  or  after-birth,  begins  to  be  developed. 
This  is  attached  to  some  portion  of  the  uterus,  usu- 
ally the  upper  lateral  portion. 

The  placenta  is  the  proper  vascular  apparatus  for 
the  combined  purpose  of  nutrition,  respiration  and 
excretion.  Or,  at  least,  through  its  circulation  all 
these  functions  are  accomplished. 

This,  with  the  membranes  surrounding  the  fetus 
and  umbilical  cord,  are  called  the  after-birth. 

The  placenta  at  lull  term  weighs  from  three- 
fourths  to  one  and  one-fourth  pounds.  It  is  a 
spongy,  vascular  organ,  eight  to  ten  inches  in  diam- 
eter, and  two  or  three  inches  thick  at  center,  thin- 
ning at  the  edges.  In  appearance  is  not  unlike  a 
piece  of  liver,  only  less  solid. 

It  lies  in  complete  juxtaposition  with  the  uterus 
with  almost  an  imperceptible  membrane  interposed. 
The  fibres  and  blood  vessels  of  the  uterus  and  pla- 
centa do  not  interlace,  as  some  suppose;  each  have 
a distinct  set  of  blood  vessels  and  capillaries,  and  a 
separate  circulation.  Nutrition  and  excretion  are 
carried  on  by  exosmosis , or  transudation  through 
this  very  attenuated  membrane. 

The  fetal  circulation  is  & very  interesting 


FETAL  CIEOULATION — BLUE  BABY. 


15 


phenomenon.  Instead  of  the  blood  going  t*  the 
lungs  for  oxygenation,  the  entire  circuit  is  per- 
formed without  this,  as  the  lungs  are  dormant, 
the  placenta  serving  the  office  of  lungs  as  well  as 
digestive  organs.  From  the  placenta  oxidized  blood 
is  brought  through  the  umbilical  vein,  a large  por- 
tion of  it  passing  to  the  liver,  but  all  eventually  en- 
ters the  heart  by  the  ascending  vena  cava.  By  the 
Eustachian  valve  it  is  directed  through  the  fora- 
men ovale  to  the  left  auricle,  from  this  to  the  left 
ventricle,  which  conveys  it  to  the  aorta.  Fart 
of  the  blood,  instead  of  taking  this  course,  ■en- 
ters the  right  ventricle,  and  in  place  of  going  to 
the  lungs  through  pulmonary  arteries,  passes  at 
once  to  the  aorta,  through  what  is  called  the  ductns 
arteriosus.  After  traveling  the  entire  circuit,  it  is 
taken  back  to  the  placenta  by  two  umbilical  arte- 
ries, which  are  given  off  from  the  iliac  arteries. 
At  birth  th q foramen  ovale  is  closed,  establishing  a 
complete  septum  between  the  auricles  of  the  heart. 
This  failing  to  close  we  have  cyanosis  neonatorum, 
or  blue  disease.  The  venous  blood  commingles 
with  the  arterial  blood,  and  death  is  the  result 
sooner  or  later.  This  produces  what  is  called  a 
“ blue  baby.” 

At  birth  the  ductus  arteriosus  also  closes;  the 
umbilical  veins  form  the  round  ligament  of  the 
liver,  and  the  umbilical  arteries  the  round  liga- 
ment of  the  uterus  in  the  female,  and  the  urachus, 
a ligament  of  the  bladder,  in  the  male. 

The  umbilical  coed  is  made  up  of  two  arteries 
and  one  vein,  covered  by  the  membranes  continu- 


10 


UMBILICAL  00 ED MEMBRANES, 


oils  from  the  child.  It  is  from  two  to  four  feet  in 
length,  attached  at  one  extremity  to  the  placenta, 
and  at  the  other  to  the  navel  of  the  child.  This  is 
the  medium  of  the  circulation  from  the  placenta  to 
the  fetus.  The  membranes  all  unite  before  birth 
to  form  one  thick,  tenacious  covering  for  the  child. 
These  enclose  the  fluid — the  liquor  amnii — which 
serves  to  protect  the  fetus  from  blows  or  sudden 
jars.  The  membranes  and  the  contained  fluid 
form  what  is  known  as  the  “bag of  waters.”  Not 
rupturing  before  birth,  they  make  what  is  called  a 
veil  or  caul  over  the  child’s  face,  to  which  is  at- 
tached various  superstitions,  such  as  the  gift  of 
“second  sight,”  clairvoyance,  etc.  These  mem- 
branes cover  the  cord  and  the  fetal  surface  of  the 
placenta. 

Healthy  nutrition  of  th q fetus  depends  entire- 
ly upon  the  mother.  The  placenta  not  only  repre- 
sents the  digestive  organs  but  the  lungs  of  Wiq  fetus. 
Consequently  upon  the  condition  of  the  mother  de- 
pends the  condition  of  the  child.  It  has  no  other 
means  of  getting  nutriment,  or  of  disposing  of 
waste  material.  After  birth  it  has  the  same  advan- 
tage as  tlie  adult  of  correcting  errors  in  diet  and  nu- 
trition by  elimination.  The  skin,  with  its  miles  of 
perspiratory  ducts  conveys  effete  matter  from  the 
system,  the  lungs  keep  up  by  respiration  a constant 
interchange  of  oxygen  for  carbon,  while  the  liver, 
kidneys  and  bowels  are  active  in  their  functions  of 
depurition. 

In  utero  these  functions  are  all  dormant,  conse- 
quently giving  the  fetus  a disadvantage  for  healthy 


FETAL  NUTRITION. 


17 


growth.  Mothers  often  show  great  solicitude  about 
diet  and  conditions  during  lactation,  while  they  are 
comparatively  indifferent  during  pregnancy.  Es- 
pecially should  they  breathe  deeply  and  that,  too,  of 
pure  air.  Trail  says,  “ If  the  mother  does  not 
breathe  sufficiently  the  child  must  suffer.  Many  a 
mother  gives  birth  to  a frail,  scrofulous  child,  for  no 
reason  except  that  during  the  period  of  gestation 
she  is  too  sedentary  and  plethoric.  I have  known 
women  of  vigorous  constitutions,  who  had  given 
birth  to  several  healthy  children,  become  the 
mothers  of  children  so  puny  and  scrofulous  that  it 
was  impossible  for  them  to  be  raised  to  adult  age. 
The  reason  is  that  the  mother  is  obstructed  in  her 
respiratory  system,  and  although  she  may  breathe 
enough  to  sustain  her  own  organization  in  a fair 
condition,  she  does  not  inhale  oxygen  enough  to 
supply  the  needs  of  an  intra-uterine  being.  Many 
‘ still  births  ’ are  explainable  on  this  principle.” 

The  duration  of  pregnancy  is  nine  calendar 
months  or  ten  lunar  months,  about  280  days.  If 
the  date  of  impregnation  is  not  known  the  count 
should  be  made  from  the  beginning  of  the  last 
menstruation,  and  add  eight  days  on  account  of  the 
possibility  of  its  occurring  within  that  period.  It  is 
possible  in  some  diseased  conditions  for  the  period 
to  extend  much  beyond  this  time.  I knew  one  case 
of  amniotic  dropsy  where  pregnancy  extended  forty 
four  weeks. 

Helen  Idleson,  M.  D.,  in  the  Med.  Wochen- 
schrift , sums  up  the  results  of  her  investigations  as 
follows:  1.  The  duration  of  pregnancy  amounts  to 


18 


PREGNANCY — EMBRYO. 


278  days,  or  nearly  40  weeks.  2.  The  sex  of  the 
infant  influences  the  duration,  this  being  longer  in 
female  infants.  3.  The  heavier  the  child  the  longer 
is  the  duration  (?).  4.  The  duration  is  longer  in  mul- 
tipart than  in  primiparee.  5.  The  younger  the 
woman  the  longer  is  the  duration.  6.  The  duration 
is  longer  in  married  than  in  unmarried  women. 
7.  The  first  movements  of  the  child  are  felt,  on  an 
average,  on  the  one  hundred  and  thirty-flfth  day, 
but  later  in  primiparaa  than  in  multiparse. 

“The  growth  of  the  embryo  after  fecundation  is 
very  rapid.  On  the  tenth  day  it  has  the  appearance 
of  a semi-transparent,  grayish  flake.  On  the 
twelfth  day  it  is  nearly  the  size  of  a pea,  tilled  with 
fluid,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  an  opaque  spot, 
presenting  the  first  appearance  of  an  embryo,  which 
may  be  clearly  seen  as  an  oblong  or  curved  body 
and  is  plainly  visible  to  the  naked  eye  on  \}\z  four- 
teenth day.  The  twenty -first  day  the  embryo  re- 
sembles an  ant  or  a lettuce-seed;  its  length  is  from 
tour  to  five  lines  and  its  weight  from  three  to  four 
grains.  Many  of  its  parts  now  begin  to  show  them- 
selves, especially  the  cartilaginous  beginnings  of 
the  spinal  column,  the  heart,  etc. 

The  thirtieth  day  the  embryo  is  as  large  as  a 
horse-fly,  and  resembles  a worm  bent  together. 
There  are  yet  no  limbs,  and  the  head  is  larger  than 
the  rest  of  the  body.  "When  stretched  out  it  is 
nearly  half  an  inch  long.  Toward  the  fifth 
week  the  head  increases  greatly  in  proportion  to 
the  remainder  of  the  body,  and  the  rudimentary 
eyes  are  indicated  by  two  black  spots  turned  toward 


GROWTH  OF  THE  EMBRYO. 


19 


the  sides,  and  the  heart  exhibits  its  external  form, 
bearing  a close  resemblance  to  that  in  the  adult. 

In  the  seventh  week  bone  begins  to  form  in  the 
lower  jaw  and  clavicle.  Harrow  streaks  on  each 
side  of  the  vertebral  column  show  the  beffinnino-  of 

o o 

the  ribs.  The  heart  is  perfecting  its  form,  the 
brain  enlarged  and  the  eyes  and  ears  growing  more 
perfect  and  the  limbs  sprouting  from  the  body.  The 
lungs  are  mere  sacs,  about  one  line  in  length  and 
the  trachea  is  a delicate  thread,  but  the  liver  is  very 
large.  The  arms  are  still  imperforate.  In  the 
seventh  week  are  lormed  the  renal  capsules  and 
kidneys.  At  two  months  the  forearm  and  hand 
can  be  distinguished,  but  not  the  arm;  the  hand  is 
larger  than  the  forearm,  but  it  is  not  supplied  with 
fingers.  The  distinction  of  sex  is  yet  difficult.  The 
eyes  are  prominent,  but  the  lids  do  not  cover  the 
eyeballs.  The  nose  forms  an  obtuse  eminence. 
The  nostrils  are  rounded  and  separated.  The  mouth 
is  gaping  and  the  epidermis  can  be  distinguished 
frorh  the  true  skin.  The  embryo  is  from  one  and  a 
half  to  two  inches  long  and  weighs  from  three  to 
five  drachms,  the  head  forming  more  than  one  third 
of  the  whole. 

At  the  end  of  three  months  the  eyelids  are  dis- 
tinct but  shut;  the  lips  are  drawn  together;  the 
forehead  and  nose  are  clearly  traceable,  and  the  or- 
gans of  generation  prominent.  The  heart  beats 
with  force,  the  larger  vessels  carry  red  blood;  the 
fingers  and  toes  are  well-defined,  and  muscles  begin 
to  be  developed. 

At  the  fourth  month  the  embryo  takes  the  name 


20 


GROWTH  OF  THE  EMBRYO. 


of  fetus.  The  body  is  six  to  eight  inches  in  length 
and  weighs  from  seven  to  eight  ounces.  The  6kin 
has  a rosy  color,  and  the  muscles  now  produce  a 
sensible  motion.  A fetus  born  at  this  time  might 
live  several  hours. 

At  five  months  the  length  of  the  body  is  from 
eight  to  ten  inches,  and  its  weight  from  eight  to 
eleven  ounces. 

At  six  months  the  length  is  twelve  and  a half 
inches;  weight  one  pound.  The  hair  appears  upon 
the  head,  the  eyes  closed,  the  eyelids  somewhat 
thicker,  and  their  margins  as  well  as  the  eyebrows 
are  studded  with  very  delicate  hairs. 

At  seven  months,  every  part  has  increased  in  vol- 
ume and  perfection;  the  bony  system  is  nearly 
complete;  length  twelve  to  fourteen  inches,  weight 
two  and  a half  to  three  pouuds.  If  born  at  this 
period  the  fetus  is  able  to  breathe,  cry  and  nurse, 
and  may  live  if  properly  cared  for. 

At  eight  months,  the  fetus  seems  to  grow  rather 
in  length  than  in  thickness;  it  is  only  sixteen  to 
eighteen  inches  long  and  yet  weighs  from  four  to 
five  pounds.  The  skin  is  very  red,  and  covered 
with  down  and  a considerable  quantity  of  sebaceous 
matter.  The  lower  jaw,  which  at  first  was  very  short, 
is  now  as  long  as  the  upper  one. 

Finally,  at  term  the  fetus  is  about  nineteen  to 
twenty-three  inches  long,  and  weighs  from  six  to 
nine  pounds.  The  red  blood  circulates,  in  the 
capillaries  and  the  skin  performs  the  functions  of 
perspiration;  the  nails  are  fully  developed.” 

Position  of  the  fetus. — The  fetus  usually  lies 


POSITION  OF  THE  FETUS. 


21 


with  the  head  downward,  covered  within  the  bag 
formed  by  the  membranes,  the  head  is  flexed,  the 
chin  resting  upon  the  breast.  The  feet  are  bent 
in  front  of  the  legs,  the  latter  flexed  upon  the 
thighs.  The  knees  are  separated  from  each  other, 
but  the  heels  lie  close  together  on  the  back  of  the 
thighs ; the  arms  are  crossed  upon  the  breast,  so 
placed  that  the  chin  can  rest  upon  the  hands. 

In  this  way  it  forms  an  oval,  whose  longest  diam- 
eter is  about  eleven  inches.  This  is  the  usual  po- 
sition, yet  it  may  be  found  to  vary  from  it 


CHAPTER  IIL 


PREGNANCY SIGNS  AND  8YMPTOMS. 

The  signs  of  pregnancy  are  physiological  and 
pathological.  Physiological,  those  common  to  all 
women,  especially  those  whose  life  accords  with 
physical  laws.  Pathological,  those  that  are  the  re- 
sult of  and  accompany  diseased  conditions. 

Of  the  physiological,  the  four  principal  ones  are 
cessation  of  menstruation,  increase  of  size,  quick- 
ening, and  the  fetal  heart  beat. 

A woman  having  cohabited  with  a man,  ceasing 
to  menstruate , ordinarily  may  consider  that  con- 
ception has  taken  place.  Suppression  can  be 
the  result  of  cold,  of  inflammation,  of  some 
chronic  uterine  diseases,  more  especially  dropsy 
or  tumors,  also  of  any  slow,  wasting  disease  like 
scrofula,  consumption  and  diarrhoea.  This  sign 
of  itself  is  not  a positive  indication  of  pregnancy. 
Occasionally,  too,  women  menstruate  during  the 
entire  time  of  gestation.  This7~without  doubt,  is 
an  abnormal  condition,  and  should  be  remedied,  as 
disastrous  consequences  may  result.  Also,  women 
have  been  known  to  bear  children  who  have  never 
menstruated. ' Some  physiologists  believe  that  all 
menstruation  is  abnormal.  That  if  the  human 
female  was  in  the  perfect  health  of  nature,  there 
would  be  no  sanguineous  discharge  accompanying 
ovulation.  A Quaker  missionary,  who  had  spent 
(22) 


CESSATION  OF  MENSTRUATION. 


23 


many  year  among  the  Indians,  relates  that  the 
squaws,  in  perfect  health,  have  no  sanguineous  flow, 
either  as  monthly  periods  or  after  confinement. 

While  the  cases  are  rare  of  pregnancy  taking 
place  where  menstruation  has  never  occurred,  yet 
it  frequently  happens  that  women  never  menstruate 
from  one  pregnancy  to  another.  In  these  cases  this 
symptom  is  ruled  out  for  diagnostic  purposes. 

Increase  of  size  accompanies  pregnancy  about 
the  third  month,  wheiTTfuT  uterus  enlarges  and 
arises  above  the  brim  of  the  pelvis.  Any  enlarge- 
ment previous  to  this  time  must  be  due  to  bloat- 
ing, flatulence  or  excess  of  fat  that  some  are  inclined 
to  in  gestation.  This  sign,  taken  alone,  can  not  be 
relied  upon  as  diagnostic.  It  may  be  occasioned 
by  various  causes,  and  often  accompanies  the  very 
same  conditions  that  suppression  does.  Instances 
are  not  rare  in  every  town  and  neighborhood  where 
women  have  made  elaborate  preparations  for  con- 
finement, only  to  be  disappointed  by  finding  they 
were  the  victims  of  some  serious  disease. 

In  a woman  whose  abdominal  parietes  are  thin, 
by  the  tenth  or  twelfth  week  of  pregnancy  the  fun- 
dus of  the  uterus  can  be  felt  and  grasped  by  the 
hand.  Lying  upon  the  back,  the  shoulders  slightly 
raised,  the  knees  flexed,  thus  relaxing  the  abdomi- 
nal muscles,  by  pressing  the  fingers  deeply  back  of 
the  pubic  bone,  the  enlarged  womb  can  be  felt  like 
a hard  ball  or  large  orange.  Digital  examination 
also  reveals  the  cervix  higher  at  this  period  in  most 
cases. 

Quickening. — The  involuntary  movements  of  the 


24: 


QUICKENING FETAL  HEART  BEAT. 


child  occur  from  the  eighteenth  to  the  twentieth 
week.  Sometimes  these  motions  begin  as  early  as 
the  third  month,  and  then  are  a feeble  fluttering 
only,  causing  disagreeable  sensations  of  faintness 
and  nausea.  The  “ motion  ” of  the  child  is  re- 
garded by  women,  especially  if  they  have  borne 
children,  as  an  unequivocal  sign.  But  cases  are 
common  where  the  throbbing  in  a tumor,  or  the 
peristaltic  action  accompanying  flatulence  has  been 
mistaken  for  fetal  movements. 

Unless  the  motion  is  very  marked,  quick,  elastic 
and  distinct,  it  alone  can  not  be  relied  upon  as  a 
diagnostic  symptom.  Taken  together  with  other 
signs  it  aids  both  physician  and  patient  to  a posi- 
tive conclusion. 

The  fetal  heart  beat. — The  sign  by  which 
physicians  can  determine  pregnancy  with  certainty 
is  by  noting  the  difference  between  the  beating  of 
the  fetal  and  maternal  hearts.  The  ordinary  pulse 
of  a woman  is  from  70  to  80. per  minute,  while 
that  of  the  fetus  is  from  120  to  140. 

Auscultation  through  a stethoscope  will  reveal 
this  fact,  and  thus  give  us  a certain  diagnosis.  If  it 
is  a throbbing  or  pulsating  in  a tumor  it  would  be 
synchronous  with  the  maternal  cardiac  action.  This 
symptom  is  not  of  much  value  till  after  the  fourth 
month.  By  that  time,  if  a physician’s  ear  is  edu- 
cated to  fine  discriminations,  he  will  never  make  a 
mistake  in  his  diagnosis.* 

* I can  not  leave  this  subject  without  urging  upon  women  the 
necessity  of  educating  their  own  fingers  to  judge  of  the  heart’s 
actions  by  the  radial  pulse.  Get  your  physician  to  tell  you  and 


ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  BREASTS. 


25 


The  enlargement  of  the  breasts  at  about  the  third 
month,  the  secretion  of  a fluid  in  them,  also  the 
darkening  of  the  areola  around  the  nipples  are  of 
frequent  or  usual  attendance  upon  gestation — but 
not  always,  consequently  can  not  be  taken  as  diag- 
nostic symptoms. 

The  pathological  symptoms  are  more  nirmerous. 
Indeed  almost  any  symptom  accompanying  any  dis- 
ease may  attend  child-bearing.  This  is  a sad  re- 
flection upon  our  enlightened  civilization.  "Were 
it  not  for  these  I would  claim  no  mission  for  my 
book.  The  facts  now  are  that  with  most  American 
women  the  280  days  of  pregnancy  are  days  of  dis- 
ease and  suffering.  The  inconvenience,  the  dis- 
comfort and  the  pains  attendant  upon  this  condi- 
tion, together  with  the  dread  of  the  final  throes  of 
travail,  transform  this  period,  that  should  be  a period 
of  hope,  of  cheerfulness,  of  exalted  pleasure,  into 
days  of  suffering,  wretchedness  and  direful  forebod- 
ings. It  is  one  long,  nightmare  and  child-bearing 
is  looked  upon  as  a curse  and  not  a blessing. 
Motherhood  is  robbed  of  its  divinest  joys. 

Dr.  Cowan  says:  “ The  period  of  pregnancy  should 
be  one  of  increased  health,  rather  than  increased 
disorders.  The  mother  who  has  hitherto  led  a true 
life,  will,  during  this  period,  experience  an  exliila- 

study  in  your  books  the  meaning  of  quick,  a throbbing,  a 
slow,  a weak,  feeble  and  wiry  pulse.  It  is  one  of  the  surest 
guides  to  abnormal  conditions,  and  is  a great  aid  to  nurses  in 
the  administration  of  all  remedial  measures,  besides  often  de- 
termining the  necessity  of  medical  aid.  In  my  conversations 
with  women  I often  in  an  audience  of  100  ladies  find  none  who 
know  even  the  frequency  of  the  normal  pulse. 


26 


PATHOLOGICAL  SYMPTOMS. 


ration  of  spirits,  a redundancy  of  health  and  cheer- 
fulness of  mind  that  is  not  to  be  enjoyed  at  any 
other  time.” 

Alas  ! how  few  have  this  experience. 

Ordinarily  pregnancy  both  by  physicians  and 
women  is  classed  among  the  diseases.  Physical  suf- 
ferings and  mental  agonies  are  the  common  accom- 
paniment  of  the  condition.  Murderous  intent  fills 
the  mother’s  heart  and  the  fearful  crime  of  feticide 
is  daily  recorded  upon  the  criminal  calendar. 

Do  physicians  offer  any  relief  for  this  state  of 
things? 

It  is  a lamentable  fact  that  most  do  not.  Not 
long  since  a lady  told  me  that  for  seven  months 
before  her  child  was  born  she  never  knew  one  hour’s 
relief  from  nausea — that  she  was  not  conscious  of  re- 
taining any  nourishment  upon  her  stomach,  and  that 
no  day  elapsed  without  vomiting  blood.  She  con- 
sulted three  different  physicians,  and  each  one  told 
her  nothing  could  be  done  except  to  wait  for 
“ nature’s  relief.”  She  went  home  in  despair  and 
suffered  to  the  end.  When  she  heard  the  theories 
I teach,  with  suppressed  emotion  she  exclaimed: 
“ Thank  God,  for  the  hope  you  give.  To  my  dying 
day  I shall  use  my  feeble  voice  to  promulgate  these 
truths  that  others  may  not  grope  in  the  valley  as  I 
have.” 

Yes,  women  can  be  saved  much  suffering  even 
during  pregnancy,  and  I know  if  they  study  this 
and  subsequent  chapters  intelligently,  practicing 
the  precepts  therein,  they  will  thank  God  for  the 
light  herein  given. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


PATHOLOGICAL  SYMPTOMS  OF  PREGNANCY INDIGES- 
TION  NAUSEA. 

The  first,  most  common  and  most  important  of 
these  symptoms  is  indigestion  or  dyspepsia.  This 
in  the  pregnant  woman  causes  or,  is  accompanied 
by  nausea,  vomiting,  constipation,  headache,  heart- 
burn, flatulence,  salivation,  diarrhoea,  piles,  greedy 
appetite,  loss  of  appetite,  longings,  etc.  Other 
symptoms  are  neuralgia,  toothache,  cramp,  swell- 
ings of  the  extremities,  pain  in  the  side,  insomnia, 
drowsiness,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  leucorrhoea, 
pruritus,  etc. 

Indigestion  or  Dyspepsia  is  the  most  common 
ailment  afflicting  the  human  family.  It  is  at  the 
foundation  of  most  every  other  disease.  Men  and 
women  in  every  station  of  life  are  more  or  less 
subject  to  it;  few  are  entirely  exempt.  “A  good 
digestion  turneth  all  to  health.”  The  pregnant 
woman,  however,  is  especially  liable  to  suffer  from 
its  multiform  miseries.  Her  nervous  organization 
is  peculiarly  sensitive  at  this  time,  besides  reflex 
action  from  the  gravid  uterus  upon  the  sympathetic 
ganglia  of  nerves  controlling  the  alimentary  proc- 
esses causes  many  symptoms.  Indigestion  is  usu- 
ally attributed  entirely  to  a failure  of  the  stomach 
to  perform  its  functions.  The  term  is  equally  ap- 
plicable to  a failure  of  any  of  the  assimilative  op- 
(27) 


28 


INDIGESTION . 


erations.  The  limits  of  this  work  will  not  permit 
a dissertation  upon  these  processes  and  their  ab- 
normal conditions.  Deeming  the  specified  symp- 
toms consequent  upon  indigestion,  that  accompany 
pregnancy,  of  more  practical  value,  their  causes 
and  treatment  will  be  especially  considered. 
In  passing,  however,  let  me  say  while  there 
are  many  causes  of  dyspepsia,  there  is  no  one  more 
potent  than  the  common  attempt  to  nourish  the 
body  from  food  that  can  not  be  digested  in  the 
stomach.  The  principal  articles  that  the  acid  gas- 
tric juice  has  no  effect  upon  are  starch  and  fats. 
They  can  only  be  rendered  soluble  in  alkaline  fluids 
which  are  the  saliva,  pancreatic  juice  and  the  bile. 
By  partaking  of  starch  and  fats  to  excess,  the 
stomach  is  overtaxed  in  expelling  them,  besides  the 
body  fails  to  get  elements  of  nutrition  in  proper 
proportions  from  them.  The  natural  food  of  the 
infant  contains  no  starch.  The  carbonates  of  milk 
being  sugar  and  butter.  Usually  the  first  solid  food 
given  to  a child,  contains  little  else  but  starch;  these 
are  bread  from  white  flour,  and  potatoes,  rendered 
more  indigestible  by  the  addition  of  butter  and  rich 
gravies.  These  are  lacking  in  nitrogeneous  and 
saline  products,  consequently  the  muscles,  bones 
and  nerves  are  insufficiently  nourished.  A substi- 
tution of  the  entire  product  of  the  wheat,  barley, 
oats  and  other  grains  would  obviate  this  difficulty 
and  lessen  the  frightful  mortality  of  children.  Dr. 
Bellows  says : “ So  perfectly  ignorant  are  people 

generally  of  the  laws  of  nature  that  they  give  their 
pigs  the  food  which  their  children  need  to  develop 


FOOD DIGESTION. 


29 


muscle  and  brain  and  give  their  children  what  their 
pigs  need  to  develop  fat.  For  example,  the  farmer 
separates  from  milk  the  muscle-making  and  brain- 
feeding nitrates  and  phosphates  and  gives  them  to 
his  pigs  in  the  form  of  buttermilk,  while  the  fat- 
tening carbonates  he  gives  to  his  children  in  but- 
ter. He  sifts  out  the  bran  and  outer  crust  from 
the  wheat,  which  contains  the  nitrates  and  phos- 
phates, and  gives  them  also  to  his  pigs  and  cattle, 
while  the  fine  flour  containing  little  else  than  heating 
carbonates,  he  gives  to  his  children.  Cheese,  which 
contains  the  concentrated  nutriment  of  milk,  is  sel- 
dom seen  on  our  tables,  while  butter,  which  contains 
not  a particle  of  food  for  brain  or  muscle,  is  on 
every  table  at  all  times  of  day.”  * 

The  elements  digested  in  the  stomach  arefibrine, 
its  type  found  in  lean  meat,  albumen,  casein,  glu- 
ten of  the  grains,  and  the  nitrogeneous  principles 
of  fruits  and  vegetables. 

These  are  the  elements  that  build  up  the  mus- 
cles, while  the  carbonaceous  elements,  such  as  su- 
gar, starch  and  fats,  by  combination  with  oxygen, 
furnish  animal  heat.  Too  much  of  the  latter  pro- 
duce inflammatory  conditions  and  should  be  par- 
taken of  moderately  by  all  people  who  do  not  lead 
an  active  out-door  life. 

Hokning  Sickness. — Hausea,  with  or  without 
vomiting,  occurs  so  frequently ' in  pregnancy  that 

* Cheese  when  digested  furnishes  more  muscle-feeding  prop- 
erties than  any  other  food,  and  hence  is  desirable  for  working 
men,  hut  should  be  taken  as  food,  not  as  a relish  only.  Few 
people  of  sedentary  habits,  however,  digest  cheese  readily. 


30 


MOBNING  SICKNESS. 


most  women  think  it  a natural  accompaniment  of 
their  condition,  relying  upon  it  as  a diagnostic 
symptom.  It  may  begin  the  day  following  concep- 
tion, but  usually  appears  from  the  sixth  to  the 
eighth  week.  It  is  unlike  nausea  which  accompa- 
nies biliousness,  fevers,  the  effects  of  drugs,  or 
even  sea-sickness.  It  is  a nausea  that  one  feels 
from  the  crown  of  the  head  to  the  soles  of  the  feet; 
one  is  “ sick  to  the  stomach”  all  over. 

Asking  the  cause  of  this,  ninety-nine  out  of  a 
hundred  aver  they  believe  it  to  be  natural,  and 
more  than  all,  not  to  be  avoided.  Besides,  the 
grandmother  of  the  neighborhood  has  told  them 
that  on  account  of  this,  the  child  will  be  more 
healthy  and  the  delivery  easier.  Facts  do  not  bear 
her  out  in  either  assertion. 

The  real  causes  are  in  the  violation  of  physical 
laws,  in  dress,  diet,  exercise,  etc. 

The  conditions  are,  first,  an  irritation  in  the 
womb  caused  by  some  disease,  which  by  sympa- 
thetic or  reflex  action  is  communicated  to  the  stom- 
ach, and  second,  that  state  commonly  called  bil- 
iousness. 

The  whole  body  is  supplied  with  nerves  distribu- 
ted from  the  braiu  and  spinal  column.  Besides 
these  every  organ  is  supplied  with  ganglia  ot  sym- 
pathetic nerves  which  communicate  with  all  nerves 
and  with  each  other,  being  so  interlaced  that  al- 
most every  part  of  the  body  is  in  communication 
with  every  other  part.  It  is  really  a complete  sys- 
tem of  telegraphy.  Both  the  uterus  and  stomach 
are  remarkable  in  their  supply  of  nerves,  and  any- 


BiLiousHxaa. 


31 


thing  going  wrong  in  the  former  is  instantly  con. 
veyed  to  the  latter.  It  is  not  unusual  that  an  inflam- 
mation, a congestion  or  displacement  of  the  womb 
give  no  local  symptoms — but  by  reflex  action  there 
are  headaches,  indigestion,  neuralgia  and  various 
ailments.  So,  of  the  gravid  uterus,  if  from  any 
existing  local  disease  or  any  cause  in  the  system  it 
does  not  take  kindly  to  its  new  function,  the  hv- 
persemia  and  irritation  instead  of  causing  local  pain 
and  distress  will  be  communicated  to  other  organs, 
most  frequently  to  the  stomach,  producing  nausea, 
vomiting,  as  well  as  often  acute  suffering.  What 
is  biliousness f Ladies,  you  know  the  condition 
to  which  you  apply  this  term.  Frequent  head- 
aches, aversion  to  food,  languid,  sleepy  and  tired 
feeling.  You  get  up  in  the  morning  weary,  cross, 
irritable,  out  of  sorts  with  everybody  and  every- 
body retaliates  by  being  out  of  sorts  with  you. 
What  has  happened  in  the  human  organism? 
What  do  you  understand  is  biliousness?  Listen  to 
the  answers.  One  says  “ It  is  an  overflow  of  bile,” 
another,  “ Too  much  bile,”  “ The  liver  don’t  act,” 
“ The  bile  has  reverted  back  to  the  blood,”  “ The 
bile  is  secreted  by  the  stomach,”  “ Too  high  liv- 
ing.” 

Dr.  Dio  Lewis  says:  “Biliousness  is  piggish- 
ness.” My  habit  has  been  to  define  it  simply  as 
overfeeding . At  least  the  elements  of  the  bile  are 
in  the  blood  in  excess  of  the  power  of  the  liver  to 
eliminate  them.  This  may  either  be  caused  by 
inaction  of  the  organ  itself,  or  superabundance  of 
the  materials  from  which  the  bile  is  made.  Being 


32 


OATTBKS  07  BILIOUSITESS. 


thus  retained  the  system  is  burdened,  or  to  use  a 
homely  but  expressive  phrase,  is  clogged.  To  pro- 
duce this,  food  may  be  too  great  in  quantity,  or  too 
rich  in  quality.  Especially  is  caused  by  the  exces- 
sive use  of  fats  and  sweets.  The  question  arises, 
how  does  this  biliousness  produce  nausea  in  the 
pregnant  woman,  and  why  does  it  show  itself  this 
way,  when  she  was  comparatively  well  previous  to 
this  condition? 

In  the  new  process  of  gestation  the  whole  sys- 
tem is  roused  to  action  and  nature  makes  an  effort 
to  relieve  the  organs  of  all  foreign  or  bilious  mat- 
ter. Her  first  means  to  produce  this  result  is  by 
nausea  and  vomiting.  Many  women  have  an  at- 
tack of  bilious  fever,  more  or  less  severe,  in  the 
first  months  of  pregnancy.  Hot  only  food  that  is 
too  nutritive,  or  too  abundant,  will  bring  about 
this  condition,  but  lack  of  exercise  conducive  to 
normal  action  in  the  assimilative  organs  is  another 
cause.  Also  clothing  that  iu  any  way  restricts  this 
action,  will  be  followed  by  the  same  result.  At 
any  time  the  bands  and  corsets  so  universally  com- 
prising a part  of  woman’s  dress  are  injurious,  be- 
cause they  restrict  the  action  of  the  liver  and 
other  organs,  but  they  are  doubly  deleterious  when 
there  is  a natural  increase  in  size.  Besides  the  di 
rect  pressure  upon  the  uterus  will  produce  irrita- 
tion in  that  organ.  I was  spending  a few  days  with 
in  old  friend  wTho  was  four  months  advanced  in  preg- 
nancy. She  had  had  no  unpleasant  symptoms.  One 
lay  we  were  on  the  .street  walking,  she  was  sud- 
denly seized  with  vomiting.  Trying  to  investigate 


TREATMENT. 


33 


the  cause  I asked  her  if  she  wore  the  dress  she  was 
accustomed  to.  “No,”  she  says:  “ I have  not  had 
this  on  for  months  and  it  is  too  tight.”  She  loos- 
ened it  under  her  cloak  and  had  no  more  trouble. 

One  potent  cause  of  morning  sickness  is  the 
habit  of  sustaining  tiie  sexual  relation  during  gesta- 
tion.  By  this  means  a hypersemia  is  produced  in 
the  reproductive  organs  as  well  as  exhaustion  of 
the  nerve  supply.  By  reflex  action  nausea  is  the  re- 
sult. Incalculable  benefits  would  be  derived  if 
married  people  imitated  the  lessons  of  lower  ani- 
mals in  this  matter — thereby  conserving  all  forces 
for  the  benefit  of  offspring. 

Treatment.— If  inflammation  or  ulceration  of 
the  uterus  is  chronic,  one  can  not  expect  to  over 
come  nausea  entirely  in  a short  time.  But  much 
can  be  done  by  wearing  a compress  and  taking 
sitz  baths,  directions  for  which  will  be  found  in 
Chap.  VIII.  Observe  thoroughly  all  hygienic  meas- 
ures laid  down  in  this  book  and  the  symptoms  will 
be  greatly  alleviated.  Vaginal  injections  of  hot 
water  are  highly  beneficial. 

In  the  case  of.  biliousness  a plain,  light  diet  with 
plenty  of  acid  fruits,  avoiding  fats  and  sweets , will 
ameliorate  if  not  remove  it. 

Don’t  force  the  appetite.  Let  hunger  demand 
food.  Take,  before  rising,  a cup  of  hot  water,  hot 
lemonade,  bran  gruel,  rice  or  barley  water.  Or 
what  is  probably  better  than  any  other  drink  for 
this  purpose,  coffee  made  from  browned  wheat  or 
corn.  Depend  for  a time  upon  liquid  food  that  can 
be  taken  up  by  absorbents. 


34 


WARM  ENEMAS. 


The  juice  of  lemons  and  other  acid  fruits  assists 
in  assimilating  any  excess  of  nutriment. 

Hot  fomentations  in  the  region  of  the  stomach 
and  liver  for  an  hour  once  or  twice  a day,  followed 
by  tepid  bathing  and  hand  friction  will  be  found 
invaluable. 

Instead  of  resorting  to  cathartic  drugs,  which  is 
a prevalent  custom,  let  me  earnestly  impress  the 
value  of  warm  or  hot  enemas. 

To  derive  the  greatest . benefit,  follow  minutely 
these  directions:  Place  two  or  three  quarts  of 

soft  water  as  warm  as  can  be  taken  in  a Fountain 
Syringe.  A tablespoonful  of  salt  will  make  it 
more  effective.  Suspend  the  syringe  as  high  as 
the  hose  will  allow.  Lie  upon  the  right  side 
with  knees  flexed.  Introduce  the  long  rectal 
tube,  or  what  is  better  for  many,  the  vaginal  tube 
far  enough  in  the  rectum  to  pass  the  internal  sphinc- 
ter muscle.  It  ought  to  enter  three  or  four  inches. 
Let  the  water  pass  in  the  bowels  slowly,  having 
them  manipulated  upward  by  an  attendant,  espe- 
cially making  passes  up  the  right  side.  This  causes 
the  water  to  pass  through  the  ileo-coecal  valve 
from  the  colon  to  the  small  intestines.  Once  in  the 
latter  it  is  taken  up  by  the  capillaries  of  the  portal 
vein  and  more  or  less  conveyed  to  the  liver.  This 
stimulates  a secretion  of  bile  and  it  is  not  unusual 
for  five  or  six  free  evacuations  to  follow.  Quite  as 
free  as  an  active  purgative  without  any  poisonous 
results  of  the  drug.  This  enema  should  be  retained 
from  twenty  minutes  to  half  an  hour  It  is  also 
much  more  effective  to  be  preceded  by  the  use  of  a 


DO  HOT  70E0E  THE  APPETITE. 


35 


fomentation  over  the  liver.  This  injection  is  a valu- 
able remedial  agent  both  in  acute  and  chronic  dif- 
ficulties. By  its  use  in  sick  headache,  billious  colic, 
congestions  in  the  stomach  or  abdominal  viscera, 
the  physician’s  visit  and  fee  will  often  be  saved. 

The  exercises  recommended  in  Chap.  Y for  con- 
stipation are  invaluable  for  biliousness.  Before 
closing  this  chapter  let  me  repeat  and  emphasize, 
don't  force  yourself  to  eat.  If  food  does  not  digest 
and  there  is  no  appetite  it  will  do  more  harm  than 
good. 

Tradition  and  prejudice  have  all  conspired  to  so 
engrave  in  your  being  that  you  must  not  only  eat, 
but  stuff , because  you  are  eating  for  two,  that  both 
yon  and  your  friends  think  food  must  be  taken  at 
all  hazards.  So,  what  is  your  custom?  You  rise 
in  the  morning  sick  and  disgusted.  The  very  smell 
of  food  is  intolerable.  Still  you  eat  at  the  table 
instead  of  getting  away  from  it,  and  eat  probably 
beefsteak  and  hot  bread,  washed  down  by  a cup  of 
coffee.  Of  course  you  must  take  what  is  most 
nourishing! 

These  are  scarcely  swallowed  until  yon  have 
proofs  that  that  much  provision  is  wasted. 

By  nine  o’clock  you  make  another  attempt.  You 
go  to  the  pantry,  find  some  cold  chicken,  a piece  of 
lemon  pie,  and  a pickle.  But  no,  the  stomach  re- 
fuses these.  At  eleven  o’clock  a confidential  friend 
calls.  She  commiserates  you,  and  knows  both  you 
and  the  fetus  will  starve.  She  goes  to  her  own 
larder,  brings  you  a piece  of  pound  cake,  some  cus- 
tard 3and  jelly;  possibly,  a piece  of  mince  pie.  Do 


36 


EXTEA  NUTBIMENT. 


these  share  the  same  fate?  Perhaps  not.  Her 
cheery  laugh  and  neighborly  sympathy,  and  the 
more  propitious  time  of  day  makes  it  possible  for 
this  to  be  retained.  But  pause,  my  friend.  Has 
the  blood  received  the  best  nutriment  for  building 
a healthy  organism  for  yourself  or  child? 

Yery  little  if  any  extra  food  is  essential  to  nourish 
the  fetus,  especially  the  first  few  weeks  of  preg- 
nancy. The  total  average  increase  of  w_eight  is  less 
than  one  half  an  on  nee  a day,  and  one  fourth  of  this 
would  be  an  approximate  estimate  for  the  first 
three  months.  It  can  readily  be  seen  that  simply 
the  suppression  of  the  menses  would  give  nearly,  if 
not  quite,  all  the  extra  nutriment  for  the  first  few 
weeks  at  least.  It  is  far  more  necessary  to  select 
appropriate  food,  and  to  secure  proper  conditions 
for  assimilation,  than  to  increase  the  quantity. 


CHAPTER  V. 


CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation  of  the  bowels  is  not  only  a frequent 
attendant  upon  pregnancy, but  is  a common  ailment 
both  of  men  and  women.  From  year  to  year  this 
symptom  is  on  the  increase,  until  fully  nine  tenths 
of  the  American  women  and  one  half  of  the  men 
are  afflicted  with  it. 

Every  person  should  have  a free,  soluble,  satis- 
factory evacuation  of  the  bowels  daily.  In  preg- 
nancy especially,  not  for  one  day  should  constipa- 
tion be  allowed. 

Constipation  is  usually  the  first  notice  of  bodily 
derangement,  and  may  be  the  precursor  of  a chron- 
ic state  of  ill  health.  The  approach,  too,  of  this 
affection  may  be  insiduous,  existing  when  the  sub- 
ject is  not  aware  of  it.  The  evacuation  may  be 
regular  but  not  sufficiently  free  and  copious,  com- 
patible with  health. 

Any  torpidity  of  the  bowels  results  in  retention 
of  residual  matter  which  becomes  reabsorbed  into 
the  system  acting  as  a foreign  and  poisonous  sub- 
stance. Other  organs  of  elimination  must,  on  this 
account,  be  overtaxed  in  the  vain  attempt  to  over- 
come the  obstruction. 

The  urine  becomes  thick,  turbid  and  high  col- 
ored, if  not  offensive.  The  skin  emits  an  offensive 
(37) 


38 


B-K3ULT8  OF  OONSTIPATIOH. 


odor  and  sooner  or  later  becomes  dry  and  scaly.  The 
surface,  from  obstruction  of  the  pores  and  venous 
capillaries,  is  alternately  hot  and  cold,  making  the 
person  sensitive  to  drafts  and  changes  in  temper- 
ature. The  lungs  must  do  double  duty  aDd  the 
breath  is  loaded  with  offensive  exhalations.  Here 
is  the  beginning  of  most  cases  of  catarrh,  bron- 
chitis and  phthisis.  Indeed,  there  is  no  disease  of 
the  human  organism  which  may  not  be  traced 
to  constipation. 

"What  are  the  principal  causes  of  constipation? 

Mainly  sedentary  habits,  errors  in  diet,  over- 
taxed brains,  the  use  of  cathartics,  and  in  women 
errors  in  dress. 

Many  persons,  even  some  authors  upon  the  sub- 
ject, consider  that  constipation  is  the  result  of  tor- 
pidity of  the  liver  only,  causing  a lack  of  bile  fur- 
nished for  diluent  purposes.  While  this  is  fre- 
quently the  case,  still  the  pancreatic  juice  as  well 
as  the  secretions  peculiar  to  the  intestines  may  be 
diminished,  causing  a lack  of  moisture  in  the  ex- 
crement. There  may,  too,  be  lack  of  bulk  in  the 
residual  matter  to  be  acted  upon  by  the  fluids  and 
impelled  by  the  muscular  coats  of  the  intestines; 
which,  in  their  turn  may  want  power  to  perform 
their  peculiar  function.  In  a sedentary  life  the 
weakness  of  these  muscles  is  enhanced.  Respira- 
tory power  too  is  lacking.  All  processes  of  diges- 
tion depend  upon  deep  breathing,  which  stimu- 
lates action  in  the  abdominal  viscera.  Any  exer- 
cise that  tones  or  develops  the  involuntary  mus- 
cles of  breathing  is  an  incalculable  adjuvant  to  all 


CAUSES  OF  CONSTIPATION. 


39 


the  functions  of  the  body.  The  person  of  seden- 
tary habits  not  only  loses  the  advantage  of  exercise 
but  is  usually  engaged  in  some  occupation  that 
gives  great  strain  upon  the  nervous  organization. 
This  takes  away  the  nerve  stimulant  so  essential 
to  assimilative  processes.  Dr.  James  H.  Jackson 
in  his  admirable  treatise  upon  constipation,  in 
speaking-of  the  effects  of  occupation,  says: 

“ It  is  not  the  man  or  woman  who  lives  reg- 
ularly, eats  temperately,  and  exercises  the  brain 
moderately  or  even  severely,  if  the  habits  are 
correct,  and  sufficient  out-door  air  and  exercise 
are  had  to  oxygenize  the  blood  and  keep  up 
muscular  tone;  it  is  not  the  muscle- worker,  the 
agriculturist,  the  mechanic,  the  machinist;  it  is 
not  the  maid  of  all  work,  as  a general  thing.  It 
is  the  brain  worker — the  lawyer,  merchant,  doctor, 
banker,  minister,  teacher;  it  is  the  man  who  sits  in 
his  office  or  works  in  his  store  or  shop  in  poor  air 
and  light,  having  little  or  no  muscular  exercise, 
who  constantly  thinks,  is  anxious,  worried,  care- 
worn, a victim  of  the  intense  competition  and  ex- 
citement which  modern  business  life  imposes;  it  is 
the  wife  and  mother  who  lives  in  the  house  all  day, 
who  is  continually  worried  by  household  cares  and 
anxieties,  who  is  socially  taxed  and  excited;  it  is 
■she  who  idles  away  her  time,  passing  it  in  in-door 
indolence,  who  dresses  unphysiologically,  eats  badly, 
feeds  upon  sensational  literature,  and  lives  under 
the  reign  of  her  emotional  and  passional  nature; 
it  is  the  poor  factory  girl  or  seamstress  plodding 
away  through  weary  days,  in  stifling  air  and  or 


40 


OCCUPATIONS. 


starvation  diet,  as  of  baker’s  bread  and  tea,  de- 
barred from  all  out-door  recreation;  or  the  school 
teacher  who  barely  earns  her  living,  though  she 
works  brain  and  nerves,  almost  daily,  to  the  point 
of  exhaustion.  In  these  classes,  subject  to  uu phys- 
iological habits  of  work,  want  of  recreation,  un- 
favorable surroundings,  irregularity  in  eating, 
sleeping,  etc. — more  from  lack  of  knowledge  than 
from  necessity — are  found  the  victims.” 

“Improper  food,  prominent  in  the  causes  of  con- 
stipation, poisons  rather  than  nourishes  the  body, 
inducing  congestion  of  the  alimentary  canal  by  the 
irritation  set  up.” 

Highly  seasoned  food  and  stimulating  drinks  ex- 
cite extra  secretions  when  first  taken,  but  the  re- 
action or  secondary  effect  of  the  overstrain  is  tor- 
por, and  consequently  absence  of  secretion.  Nota- 
bly, too,  we  have  the  same  effect  from  aperient 
drugs.  Even  the  too  free  and  constant  use  of  salt 
causes  a dryness  of  the  intestinal  canal,  probably 
from  the  fact  of  its  stimulating  power.  Nature 
daily  attests  this  statement  by  the  demand  for  drink 
after  partaking  of  salted  meats,  fish,  etc. 

Food  that  is  too  concentrated,  not  affording  re- 
siduum in  proportion  to  nutriment,  proves  consti- 
pating. 

Food  lacking  in  elements  of  nerve  nutrition  is 
followed  by  a like  result. 

Foods  that  are  too  concentrated  are  usually  those 
that  are  highly  carbonaceous,  notably  fats  and 
sweets,  as  well  as  those  abounding  in  starch.  In 
these  the  “ insufficient  residue  fails  to  furnish  the 


FINE  FLOUR  AND  STARCH. 


41 


needful  volume  to  fecal  matter.”  The  absence  of 
water,  too,  furnished  by  vegetables  and  fruits,  causes 
a dryness  of  the  contents  of  the  intestinal  canal, 
which  of  itself  is  an  impediment  to  their  onward 
passage  through  the  bowels.” 

Of  these  carbonaceous  foods,  pastry,  cakes,  hot 
bread  and  fine  flour  bread  stand  prominent.  As 
elsewhere  stated  hot  breads,  starch  and  all  of  the 
tats  do  not  digest  in  the  acid  fluid  of  the  stomach. 

Passing  into  the  duodenum  the  alkaline  bile  and 
pancreatic  juice  emulsify  and  liquify  them.  If 
the  quantity  of  these  substances  taken  be  too  great 
there  will  be  much  the  same  result  as  the  soap- 
maker  gets  when  he  puts  in  his  kettle  too  much  fat 
for  his  lye.  The  substances  are  not  dissolved,  and 
can  not  be  taken  up  by  the  villi  of  the  intestines  for 
nutrition,  and  is  a concentrated  mass  lacking  re- 
siduum that  passes  into  the  excrement. 

The  prevalent,  if  not  foolish  fashion  of  using  only 
bolted  or  fine  white  flour  for  bread,  which  gives  a 
flour  abounding  in  starch  and  lacking  in  gluten, 
is  largely  the  cause  of  indigestion  and  constipa- 
tion. The  gluten  lies  next  the  bran  and  con- 
tains the  nitrates  and  phosphates  which  digest 
in  the  stomach  and  feed  muscles,  brain  and 
nerves,  while  the  bran  itself  furnishes  residuum  for 
fecal  matter. 

Another  factor  especially  answerable  for  the  re- 
cent increase  of  constipation,  is  the  prevalent  use 
of  baking  powders.  This  makes  a beautiful,  light, 
friable  and  delicious  bread,  requiring  but  little 
time  or  care  in  its  preparation.  If  adulterated 


42 


BAKING  POWDEIu 


with  alum,  astringent  effects  follow.  In  a pnre 
powder,  however,  we  have  an  acid  and  an  alkali, 
which  after  chemical  union  has  taken  place,  leaves 
a residual  salt  that  has  a depressing  influence  upon 
the  nervous  system.  A sensitive  person  not  accus- 
tomed to  the  use  of  bread  from  yeast  powder,  even 
if  eaten  cold,  will  in  a few  hours  feel  depressing  in- 
fluences, both, upon  mind  and  body.  Dr.  Beau- 
mont, who  had  the  privilege  of  watching  the  proc- 
ess of  digestion  in  the  stomach  of  Alexis  St.  Mar- 
tin, tells  us  that  “ hot  bread  does  not  dissolve  in 
the  fluids  of  the  stomach.”  This  is  owing  to  the 
presence  of  carbonic  gas  in  the  bread,  and  to  the 
fact  that  it  is  not  friable,  consequently  becomes  an 
insoluble  doughy  mass  that  can  not  be  permeated 
by  the  gastric  fluid.  Of  course  this  passes  in  this 
state  into  the  intestines,  and  much  of  it  must  be- 
come waste  material.  It  is  estimated  that  8,000,- 
000  lbs.  of  baking  powder  is  used  annually  in  the 
United  States  alone.  What  wonder  is  it  that  dys- 
pepsia and  constipation  are  on  the  increase! 

Fat  meats,  dried  and  salted  meats,  are  constipat- 
ing. Fresh  poultry  has  a like  effect.  There  are  few 
persons  who  do  not  remember  the  old  time  prac- 
tice of  arresting  the  action  of  a cathartic  drug  by 
the  use  of  a chicken  broth. 

Eggs  and  milk  are  constipating  to  many.  The 
latter  is  especially  so  if  boiled  or  if  the  two  articles 
are  combined  in  custards,  puddings,  etc.  Among 
the  vegetables,  beaus  are  constipating.  This,  how- 
ever, is  largely  the  result  of  the  mode  of  prepara- 
tion. They  are  Dot  sufficiently  cooked  and  the  fat 


ERRORS  IN  DRESS. 


43 


incorporated  with  them  renders  them  indigestible. 

Potatoes,  especially  if  prepared  with  butter  or 
grease,  have  a like  effect.  Cheese  is  constipating  to 
many.  Also  chocolate  and  cocoa. 

Of  the  fruits,  blackberries  and  raspberries  are 
constipating,  especially  if  the  seeds  are  taken. 
More  than  any  other  article  of  diet,  these  induce 
and  aggravate  hemorrhoids. 

The  errors  in  dress  conducive  to  torpid  bowels, 
are  lack  of  covering  to  the  extremities,  and  excess 
of  clothing  in  the  abdominal  region,  thus  favoring 
congestion  of  the  vital  organs.  Garments  that 
are  tight  and  improperly  supported  restrict  res- 
piration, infringe  upon  all  the  digestive  organs, 
and  impede  the  circulation. 

When  women  are  freed  from  the  trammels  of 
dress,  they  will  have  taken  a long  stride  toward 
freedom  from  invalidism.  Is  it  Utopian  to  hope 
that  it  will  also  aid  in  giving  them  political  and 
social  freedom  as  well? 

A very  common  means  taken  to  overcome  con- 
stipation only  increases  it  and  renders  it  less  amen- 
able to  common  sense  treatment,  and  that  is  the 
prevalent  use  of  cathartic  drugs. 

“ They  all  depend  for  effect  upon  a certain  quality 
they  possess  of  exciting  secretion  and  peristaltic 
activity.  Of  course  they  do  this  through  the  ner- 
vous system,  few  if  any  of  them  being  mechanical 
in  their  action,  but  accomplishing  their  results  by 
stimulating  the  nervous  system  to  extra  effort.  In 
doing  this,  they  necessarily  exhaust  the  source  of 
supply;  for  the  tendency  of  all  stimulation  is  to 


44 


CATHARTIC  DRUGS. 


induce  exhaustion  as  the  consequence  of  unnatural 
exhibitions  of  nervous  force.  Persons  using  these 
so-called  remedies — laxatives,  cathartics,  and  pur- 
gatives— thus  securing  the  movements  of  the  bowels 
in  the  present,  find  that  after  their  use,  it  is  more 
difficult  to  secure  natural  passages,  and  that  the 
doses  must  be  increased  to  produce  any  effect. 

Meantime  the  continued  use  of  these  druo-s  not 

© 

only  exhausts  nervous  force,  but  often  creates 
inflammation  of  mucous  surfaces,  disturbing  diges- 
tion and  poisoning  the  blood.” 

This  is  more  especially  true  of  the  saline  cathar- 
tics. 

Pregnancy  aggravates  or  causes  constipation,  by 
reflex  nervous  action  from  an  irritable  uterus  or 
mechanically  by  pressure  of  fetus  upon  the  colon  or 
rectum. 

Other  causes  of  this  difficulty  will  be  thought 
of — such  as  excessive  exercise,  violent  emotions,  as 
anger,  grief,  etc.,  wounds  in  any  part  of  the  body, 
irregularity  in  meals,  late  suppers,  eating  between 
meals,  etc.,  etc.  Practically  it  is  not  essential  to 
enter  into  details  in  regard  to  them.  UST o matter 
what  the  cause  all  will  experience  benefit  in  adher- 
ing to  the  following  hints  upon  the 

Treatment  of  constipation. — First  ascertain  the 
cause  or  causes,  and  remove  them.  One  might  as 
well  expect  to  cure  a burn,  and  keep  pouring  scald- 
ing water  upon  it  as  to  cure  torpid  bowels  if  the 
cause  remains. 

Every  person  should  establish  the  habit  of 
“Regularity  in  securing  evacuations. — The 


TREATMENT  OF  CONSTIPATION. 


45 


nervous  system  acts  under  the  law  of  periodicity  to 
a large  degree  in  controlling  the  functional  opera- 
tions of  the  body.  This  tendency  should  not  only 
be  generally  heeded,  but  utilized  in  regulating  the 
bowels.  A little  intelligent  care  will  generally  se- 
cure a call  for  defecation  at  a specified  time,  which 
may  be  established  to  suit  convenience,  and  which 
once  established,  should  not  be  allowed  to  pass  ex- 
cept for  most  urgent  reasons.  The  number  of  evac- 
uations per  day  will  vary  with  the  quality  and 
amount  of  food  consumed,  and  the  avocation  and 
temperament  of  the  person.  If  two  evacuations 
each  day  is  the  rule,  then  one  should  be  after  break- 
fast and  the  second  shortly  before  the  regular  retir- 
ing hour  for  the  night.  If  only  one  evacuation 
each  day  is  the  habit  of  the  person,  then  if  con- 
venient, let  it  be  the  hour  before  retiring,  unless  a 
satisfactory  habit  is  already  fixed  at  some  other 
hour.  There  are  few  things  that  promote  good, 
sound,  refreshing  sleep,  like  a thorough  emptying 
of  the  bowels  before  going  to  bed.  The  chances 
for  local  congestion  and  irritation  are  thus  greatly 
diminished;  besides,  irritation  of  brain,  reflex  in 
character,  causing  wakefulness  or  dreamy  sleep,  is 
much  less  liable  to  occur  than  when  the  rectum  or 
lower  portion  of  the  colon  contains  fecal  matter. 
If  one  would  prevent  constipation  and  its  evils,  this 
practice  should  be  heeded;  and  if  one  would  cure 
constipation,  it  should  be  enforced  in  connection 
with  any  other  necessary  measures,  as  follows:  Go 
to  the  closet  at  the  appointed  hour,  sit  for  a few 
minutes,  gently  straining  to  effect  a passage.  The 


46 


ESTABLISH  REGULAR  HABITS. 


practice  of  forcing  an  evacuation  by  severe  mus- 
cular effort  is  all  wrong,  and  should  never  be  in- 
dulged. Far  better  take  an  enema  of  water  if 
necessary.  The  practice  of  sitting  long  at  stool  is 
also  to  be  condemned.  The  bowels  may  be  made 
lazy  in  this  way,  and  it  leads  to  waste  of  time  and 
to  hemorrhoids.  If  not  successful,  go  till  the  next 
day  at  the  stated  hour  if  you  comfortably  can;  then 
try  again,  and  if  you  do  not  succeed,  take  an  enema 
of  water  sufficient  to  produce  the  desired  move- 
ment. The  next  day  repeat  this  effort  at  the  given 
time,  and  so  continue.” 

Other  simple  measures  will  overcome  constipa- 
tion, especially  if  of  recent  origin  or  of  mild  form. 
Drinking  one  or  two  glasses  of  cold  soft  water 
before  breakfast  is  often  sufficient.  Some  eat  ice  for 
the  same  purpose.  These  are  diluents,  besides  act- 
ing upon  the  nerves  producing  contractile  effects 
of  the  muscular  coats  of  the  digestive  tract. 

Eating  a raw  apple  or  orange  before  breakfast 
with  others  is  sufficient.  Stirring  a table-spoonful 
of  bran  in  a glass  of  water  and  drink,  is  very  effica- 
cious for  some.  A lady  in  Iowa  had  had  very  obsti- 
nate constipation  for  years.  Allopathic  and  Ho- 
meopathic remedies  had  no  effect.  Exercise  and 
the  strictest  hygienic  living  seemed  equally  of  no 
avail.  If,  however,  before  eating  her  breakfast, 
she  would  eat  half  a cup  of  bran  stirred  in  water 
or  milk,  the  desired  result  would  be  obtained. 
This  affords  residuum  for  the  alimentary  canal,  as 
well  as  mechanical  stimulus  to  the  mucous  coat. 

In  long  standing,  obstinate  cases,  these  simple 


BINS  FLO  OB  OF  TELE  ENTIRE  WHEAT. 


47 


remedies  will  not  suffice.  There  must  be  an  entire 
and  radical  change  in  diet  as  well  as  other  rational 
measures  used  to  overcome  the  conditions.  First, 
live  largely  upon  food  made  from  the  flour  of  the 
entire  wheat.  In  this,  the  gluten  which  lies  next 
the  bran  is  preserved — which  contains  the  nitrates 
that  feed  muscular  tissues  and  the  mineral  product 
that  nourishes  and  sustains  the  nervous  system.  “For 
constipation,  this  flour  is  the  natural  remedy  and 
preventive,  as  it  gives  the  ganglionic  nerve  centers 
their  proper  food,  and  hence  enables  them  to  pre 
side  over  the  functions  of  digestion.”  Fine 
Flour  of  the  Entire  Wheat;  Franklin  Mill  Co., 
Lockport,  N.  Y.,  fulfills  these  conditions,  and  is 
“ one  of  the  noblest  additions  to  the  foods  of 
the  world.”  The  grain  is  denuded  of  the  outside, 
silicious  bark  and  then  ground  into  a fine  flour, 
and  all  the  elements  of  the  grain  are  preserved. 
This  is  not  the  ordinary  Graham  flour  that  contains 
the  indigestible  covering  of  the  grain-. 

Wheat  more  than  any  other  article  of  food  fur- 
nishes all  the  elements  and  in  the  right  proportion 
required  to  nourish  the  body.  In  bolting  the  flour 
to  make  fine  white  flour,  four  fifths  of  the  gluten, 
the  very  most  nutritious  part  of  the  grain,  is  taken 
out  to  be  fed  to  cows  and  hogs. 

Dr.  Ephraim  Cutter,  of  Harvard,  in  an  able  and 
illustrated  article  on  “Cereal  Foods  ” in  the  Amer- 
ican Medical  Weekly  says:  “ The  gluten  of  cereal 
foods  is  their  nitrogenized  element,  the  element  on 
which  depends  their  life-sustaining  value,  and  this 
element  is,  in  the  white  and  foolishly  fashionable 


48 


FINE  FLOUR  OF  THE  ENTIRE  WHEAT. 


flour,  almost  entirely  removed;  while  the  starch, 
the  inferior  element,  is  left  behind  and  constitutes 
the  entire  bulk  and  inferior  nutriment  of  such  flours. 
To  use  flour  from  which  the  gluten  (in  the  bran)  has 
been  removed  is  almost  criminal.  That  it  is  fool- 
ish and  needless  needs  no  further  demonstration. 
In  sickness,  and  in  the  sickness  of  infants  especially, 
starch  is  highly  injurious,  while  gluten  is  life-giving 
and  restorative.”  In  the  valuable  article  from 
which  the  above  extract  is  taken,  is  given  microscop- 
ical examinations  of  forty-four  kinds  of  flour  and 
health  foods.  Of  the  Franklin  Mills  Co.  flour  he 
says:  “The  field  is  tilled  with  gluten  cells.  Re- 
peated examinations  prove  this  to  be  the  best  flour 
examined.”  One  can  readily  see,  being  more  nutri- 
tious in  point  of  economy,  even,  this  flour  is  inval- 
uable. It  is  preferable  for  making  anything  that  is 
ordinarily  made  from  white  flour.  Makes  better 
pie  crust,  better  cake,  and  griddle-cakes,  and  for 
toast,  pudding  and  gems,  has  no  comparison  with 
other  flour.  Still  further,  what  will,  with  many,  be 
considered  the  best  argument  for  its  use,  the  taste  of 
this  flour  is  sweeter  and  more  “ nutty.”  Once  accus- 
tomed to  the  “ Flour  of  the  Entire  Wheat,”  white 
flour  seems  tasteless  and  insipid,  and  none  will  return 
to  its  use  from  choice.  Hundreds  of  cases  within 
my  own  knowledge  attest  to  this  fact. 

Cracked  or  rolled  wheat  stands  with  or 
above  the  entire  wheat  flour,  in  its  value  to  over- 
come torpid  bowels.  Often  by  making  no  other 
change  in  diet,  but  adding  this  one  article  properly 
cooked,  constipation  will  be  entirely  overcome.  I 


OB  A OKED  OB  ROLLED  WHEAT. 


49 


have  been  recommending  it  for  thirty  years  with 
uniform  satisfactory  result.  In  a family  with 
whom  I stayed  while  lecturing  in  southern  Illinois, 
was  a bright  boy  three  years  of  age.  The  next 
morning  after  my  arrival,  the  mother  entered  my 
room,  her  face  the  picture  of  despair. 

“ Can  you,  doctor,  tell  me  anything  I can  do  foi 
Charlie?  For  near  twelve  months  he  has  not  had 
a natural  passage.  Strong  cathartics  have  ceased 
to  have  any  effect,  and  he  has  a terror  of  enemas.” 
I noticed  the  night  previous,  the  child  ate  a lats 
supper,  consisting  entirely  of  cold  mutton  and 
sweet  cake.  I wondered  then  if  it  was  possible  he 
could  feed  on  such  food  and  be  well.  I said  to  her, 
“ Have  you  tried  diet?  ” 

“ Only  to  give  him  figs,  and  these  he  dislikes.  I 
don’t  know  what  to  give  him.” 

Alas,  how  many  mothers  do  not  know  ! 

“ Do  not  you  ever  use  Graham  bread?  ” 

“ Hone  of  us  like  it.” 

“Have  you  ever  given  him  cracked  wheat!” 

“ I never  heard  of  it.” 

“ Send  and  get  a package.  I will  show  you  how 
to  cook  it,  and  we  will  all  lunch  upon  it.” 

Charlie  ate  of  it,  not  freely,  for  his  lunch  and 
supper.  The  following  day  he  had  two  natural, 
easy  evacuations.  I counseled  her  to  give  him  less 
meat  and  cake,  have  him  eat  the  wheat  at  least 
once  a day,  and  partake  of  more  fruit.  Months 
afterward  she  reported  no  return  of  the  constipa- 
tion. Oftentimes  it  is  the  simple  things  that  are 
the  most  effectual. 


50 


FEAST  ON  FEUIT8  FBKELY. 


Feast  on  feuits!  Would  that  this  could  be  a 
motto  upon  the  wall  of  every  dining  room  in  the 
land!  Next  to  the  whole  of  the  wheat,  fruit  is  the 
best  laxative  to  the  bowels. 

Dr.  Jackson  says:  “I  advise  the  use  of  fruit  in 
the  morning  if  only  taken  once  a day;  but  I heart- 
ily approve  of  its  forming  a part  of  every  meal, 
though  I strongly  condemn  the  indulgence  in 
fruit  between  meals.” 

I coincide  with  him  and  emphasize  by  saying 
feast  on  fruit  freely ! Don’t  stint  the  supply  to 
sauce  dishes.  Use  large  saucers  and  not  only  once 
full  but  twice  or  thrice  full  at  every  meal.  Acid 
fruits  are  preferable.  They  are  the  staple,  and  prop- 
erly prepared,  one  never  tires  of  them.  The  acid 
of  the  fruit  is  largely  oxygen  and  unites  with  the 
carbon  of  other  food,  in  this  way  assists  in  digestion. 
For  constipation  some  of  the  dried  fruits  well 
cooked  are  preferable.  Of  these  peaches,  plums, 
prunes,  apricots,  etc.,  that  are  rich  in  hydrocyanic 
acid,  are  the  best.  Do  not  purchase  an  inferior 
article.  Get  the  best,  stew  several  hours,  use  but 
little  sugar  and  that  when  first  put  on  the  stove. 
If  I could  impress  upon  women  the  value  of  abun- 
dance of  fruit  in  diet  so  that  they  never  would  pre- 
pare a meal  without  it,  no  more  than  without  bread, 
I know  the  results  would  be  so  satisfactory  that 
they  would  always  hold  my  name  in  grateful  mem- 
ory. Do  not  tell  me  it  is  expensive  and  you  can 
not  afford  it.  Take  half  the  money  you  put  in 
meat,  butter  and  lard  and  purchase  fruit.  You  will 
get  interest  and  principal  returned  in  healthful 


ft  A RIVEN  VEGETABLES. 


51 


conditions  for  yourself,  in  rosy,  buoyant  children, 
in  happy  dispositions  and  noticeable  absence  of 
doctor’s  fees. 

Most  of  the  garden  vegetables  are  valuable  in 
overcoming  constipation.  Rhubarb,  onions,  toma- 
toes, asparagus,  green  peas,  squash,  cauliflower, 
green  corn,  etc.,  etc.,  are  good.  Should  be  well 
cooked  without  butter.  They  furnish  water  which 
is  cooling  and  laxative,  and  bulk  that  increases 
the  residual  matter  of  the  excrement.  Potatoes 
and  beans  should  be  avoided.  The  mucous  sur- 
faces have  been  stimulated  and  irritated  by  high 
seasoned  and  concentrated  food.  The  fruits  and 
vegetables  are  cooling,  besides  furnishing  by  bulk, 
stimuli  for  peristaltic  action  of  the  muscles. 

Avoid  strong  tea,  especially  if  steeped  a long 
time.  Tanic  acid  is  developed,  giving  an  as- 
tringent effect.  Coffee , especially  the  higher 

grades,  in  the  occasional  use,  stimulates  the  bowels 
to  action,  but  the  habit  of  taking  strong  coffee  gives 
the  secondary  effect,  and  torpidity  is  the  result. 

It  may  be  a wise  provision  of  nature  that  the 
poorer  and  cheaper. the  coffee,  the  less  deleterious 
in  its  character.  Java  and  Mocha  may  really  be 
poisonous  to  an  individual,  while  Rio  is  quite  in- 
offensive. Most  of  the  adulterations  of  coffee  are 
harmless.  One  “ feasting  on  fruits  freely”  will  not 
feel  the  need  of  any  drink  at  meals,  and  in  total 
abstinence  great  gain  will  be  made  in  overcoming 
symptoms  of  indigestion. 


4 


52 


TABLE  OF  FOODS. 


Table  of  Foods. 


LAXATIVE. 

Rolled  and  cracked  wheat. 
Bread,  gems,  biscuit,  griddle 
cakes,  crackers  and  mush  from 
flour  of  the  entire  wheat. 

Granula. 

Bran  gruel  and  jelly. 

Fruit  puddings. 

Fruit  pies. 

All  fresh  acid  fruits,  includ- 
ing tropical  fruits,  like  banan- 
nas,  oranges,  lemons,  etc. 

Dried  figs. 

French  prunes  and  prunellas 
eaten  raw. 

Stewed  dried  fruits,  contain- 
ing hydrocyanic  acid,  of  these 
peaches,  plums  and  prunes  are 
best. 

Rhubarb. 

Onions. 

Celery. 

Tomatoes. 

Cabbage,  rate. 

Com. 

Squash. 

Cauliflower. 

Green  peas. 

Spinnach. 

Beets,  etc. 

Liver. 

Oysters. 

Wild  game. 


CONSTIPATtK®. 

Hot  bread. 

White  bread. 

White  crackers. 

Pastry  made  of  white  flour 
and  lard. 

Bread,  , rolls,  dumplings, 
etc.,  made  with  baking  pow- 
ders. 

Cake. 

All  custard  puddings. 

Salted  meats. 

Salted  fish. 

Dried  meats. 

Dried  fish. 

Smoked  meats. 

Poultry. 

Cheese. 

Chocolate. 

Cocoa. 

Boiled  milk. 

Tea. 

Coffee. 

Coffee  made  from  wheat, 
com,  barley,  toast,  etc. 

Beans. 

Potatoes. 

Farina. 

Sago. 

Starch. 

Tapioca. 

Rice. 


Lean  fresh  meats,  fresh  fish,  eggs,  raw  milk,  oat- 
meal, barley,  buckwheat,  and  corn  meal  have  no 
marked  action  either  way,  unless  in  exceptional 


cases. 


EXEKOISE  ESSENTIAL. 


53 


Next  in  importance  to  having  proper  food  to  over- 
come constipation  is  appropriate  and  sufficient  ex- 
ercise. General  and  habitual  exercise  is  essential 
to  promote  good  circulation,  a healthy  nervous  tone, 
complete  respiration  whereby  combustion  of  the 
carbonates  is  possible,  and  also  power  and  elasticity 
of  the  muscles.  The  stomach,  liver,  and  indeed, 
all  the  alimentary  tract  require  also  local  exer- 
cise in  order  that  a healthy  standard  may  be  gained 
and  maintained. 

The  worm-like  or  peristaltic  action  of  the  intes- 
tines is  produced  by  the  contraction  of  the  muscu- 
lar coat.  It  is  by  this  action  that  the  contents  of 
the  canal  are  carried  forward.  Is  it  not  plain  if  ex- 
ercise can  develop  the  muscles  of  the  arm  or  leg  it 
can  give  tone  and  power  to  these  muscles  as  well? 
Dr.  Taylor  in  “ Health  by  Exercise”,  says:  “ It  is  a 
curious  and  most  interesting  fact  that  children  and 
young  animals,  whose  desire  for  motion  is  inherent, 
are  inclined  chiefly  to  those  kinds  of  exercise,  and 
to  assume  those  positions  that  necessarily  affect  the 
abdominal  contents. 

“ It  is  in  such  exercises  as  climbing , rolling , 
crawling , jumping  andplaying  generally  that  these 
contents  are  most  disturbed.  "We  are  convinced 
that  these  are  the  means  that  nature  prescribes  to 
secure  healthful  development  and  power  in  these 
most  essential  parts  of  the  body.  As  if  to  insure 
these  healthful  effects,  nature  has  ordained  that  by 
respiration,  as  an  efficient  and  constant  means,  these 
motions  shall  be  secured  to  the  alimentary  canal. 
The  abdominal  contents  may  be  considered  as  being 


54 


LONGEVITY  AND  LUNG  POWER. 


located  between  two  great  muscular  organs,  the  di- 
aphragm and  abdominal  walls. 

These  muscles  act  conjointly  and  simultaneous- 
ly and  upon  all  the  included  parts,  causing  them  to 
play  incessantly  upon  each,  and  subjecting  them 
to  a constant  and  gentle  pressure.”  Deep  breath- 
ing, using  the  diaphragm  and  abdominal  muscles, 
of  which  the  majority  of  women  have  no  practical 
knowledge,  gives  the  most  efficient  exercise  to  the 
digestive  tract.  The  A,  B,  C of  health  lessons,  is  in 
deep  natural  respiration.  The  lungs  must  be 
filled  to  the  bottom , and  the  involuntary  muscles  of 
breathing  brought  into  action.  Animals  and  chil- 
dren have  this  natural  breathing.  Men  and  women 
lose  it  from  lack  of  exercise,  and  constrictions  of 
dress.  Longevity  and  power  of  endurance  depend 
mainly  upon  lung  capacity.  The  most  eminent 
vocal  teacher  of  this  country  asserted  that  in 
breathing  “ the  main  action  should  be  at  the  waist 
and  below  the  waist.” 

For  constipation,  those  exercises  must  be  taken 
that  develop  the  diaphragm  and  other  respiratory 
muscles,  that  strengthen  the  muscles  of  the  abdo- 
men and  trunk  as  well  as  the  muscular  tissue  of  the 
intestines  themselves. 

The  following  are  a few 

SPECIAL  EXERCISES  FOR  CONSTIPATION. 

1.  Lying  upon  the  back,  with  abdomen  relaxed, 
have  bowels  thoroughly  kneaded;  make  rapid  gentle 
movements  with  balls  of  the  fingers  and  palm  of 
the  hands,  not  the  knuckles. 


SXEBCISE  FOB  CONSTIPATION. 


55 


2.  Same  position,  move  diaphragm  np  and  down 
without  breathing.  This  requires  a little  experi- 
ence and  can  be  aided  at  first  by  external  pressure 
of  the  hand,  following  the  motion.  This  is  one  of 
the  most  desirable  for  the  object  required,  and  must 
not  be  abandoned  because  of  a few  failures.  The 
diaphragm  can  be  taught  to  obey  the  will. 

3.  Reclining  on  back  on  a spring  bed;  flex  the 
knees,  inflate  the  lungs  ; move  hips  up  and  down 
with  the  springs  twenty  or  thirty  times.  This  can 
be  performed  by  even  quite  a weak  person,  and  is 
beneficial  to  the  strongest.  Brings  into  action 
moderately  a great  variety  of  muscles. 

4.  Flex  the  knees  and  elevate  the  hips,  resting 
the  body  on  shoulders  and  feet.  Move  slowly  up 
and  down  ten  times.  Hold  to  count  ten  and  then 
rest  to  count  the  same.  Lungs  with  this  had  better 
be  inflated.  Ho  other  exercise  is  more  valuable 
for  developing  deep  breathing.  Sick  and  well 
would  be  benefited  by  taking  this  exercise  morning 
and  night. 

5.  Stand  with  toes  at  angle  of  45°,  knees  to- 
gether, hands  crossed  upon  the  back.  Bend  the 
knees.  The  body  is  kept  perpendicular  and  slowly 
descends  until  setting  upon  the  heels.  Then  slowly 
straightened,  keeping  trunk  in  6ame  position. 
Count  four  with  each  movement,  and  from  four  to 
ten  with  the  rest.  This  is  a severe  exercise,  and 
needs  to  be  taken  cautiously  at  first  by  the  invalid. 
There  is  no  better,  however,  for  torpid  bowels. 

6.  Stand  as  before.  Balm  of  hands  placed  over 
lower  ribs,  fingers  forward.  Inhale  through  the 


66 


EXEKOISK  FOE  CONSTIPATION. 


nostrils  and  expand  the  waist  as  if  to  burst  the  belt. 
Expel  the  breath  slowly  and  assist  it  by  pressing 
with  the  palms  against  the  ribs. 

7.  Same  position;  inhale  through  the  nostrils; 
retain  to  count  twenty;  expel  through  the 
mouth  as  whispering  the  syllable  Hoo!  to  a person 
forty  feet  away. 

8.  Sit  on  the  floor;  limbs  horizontal  and  par- 
allel; lungs  inflated;  hands  joined  over  the  head; 
move  backward  and  forward  slowly  as  far  as  pos 
sible;  rest;  same  position,  move  sideways. 

9.  Horizontal  position  on  back;  hands  clasped 
over  the  head;  raise  both  feet  and  head  at  same 
time  making  the  body  assume  a curved  shape; 
hold  to  count  ten;  repeat  this  only  five  or  six 
times  at  first.  This  is  a powerful  exercise,  affect- 
ing the  abdominal  viscera  and  general  circulation. 

10.  Lie  in  the  horizontal  position ; hands  clasped 
over  the  head,  the  head  and  heels  only,  resting 
on  supports,  as  two  stools,  while  the  body  is  quite 
free;  hold  in  this  position  from  five  to  ten  minutes, 
according  to  strength,  practicing  waist  breathing; 
at  first  one  might  place  the  stools  nearer  together. 

11.  Kneel  with  one  leg,  place  the  other  forward 
with  the  foot  firm  upon  the  floor;  arms  parallel, 
stretched  upward  to  the  side  of  the  head;  move 
backward  and  forward  slowly,  while  counting  four 
to  each  movement  and  for  rest;  repeat  three  or 
four  times  and  change  to  the  other  knee.  This 
is  a good  exercise  for  hips,  groin  and  lower  abdo- 
men. 

12.  Upon  both  knees  wide  apart,  hands  on  hips, 


EXERCISE  FOE  CONSTIPATION. 


57 


fingers  forward.  Move  quickly  from  right  to  left 
and  back  as  far  as  possible.  This  is  a good  exercise 
for  liver,  spleen  and  muscles  of  the  side. 

Nos.  5,  10,  11  and  12  should  not  be  attempted  by 
a weak  person  until  the  balance  have  been  practiced 
at  least  a month,  and  then  begin  with  caution.  All 
these  exercises  should  be  taken  in  a loose  wrapper. 
There  must  be  no  restraint  upon  any  part  of  the 
body.  One  walking  or  working  need  not  be  de- 
terred from  taking  them.  They  bring  into  action 
unused  muscles,  and  consequently  rest  those  that 
have  been  overworked.  I knew  a lady  who  did 
much  of  the  heavy  labor  of  a large  greenhouse. 
She  never  retired  without  performing  similar 
gymnastics  to  the  above.  She  claimed  they  rested 
her  by  the  derivative  effect,  and  the  sleep  that  fol- 
lowed was  more  satisfactory. 

Women  can  not  expect  to  successfully  and  per- 
manently overcome  constipation,  if  the  organs  are 
in  any  way  restricted  by  dress.  Nature’s  laws  are 
inexorable,  and  the  penalty  of  violation  must  be 
paid.  See  Chap.  VII. 

Do  not  resort  to  drugs  even  for  temporary  relief. 
Most  all  aperient  medicines  act  through  the  ner- 
vous system,  stimulating  the  secretions  to  increased 
flow.  All  stimulation  of  the  nervous  system  is 
followed  by  a corresponding  or  increased  depression. 
The  consequence  is  the  torpor  of  the  bowels  is 
worse  after  a few  days  instead  of  better.  If  people 
would  only  note  real  results,  instead  of  seeming 
ones,  very  little  medicine  would  be  taken,  at  least 
such  as  only  have  palliating  effects. 


68 


ENEMAS  PREFERABLE  TO  DRUGS. 


In  constipation  until  permanent  benefits  can  be 
obtained  by  the  means  proposed,  if  it  is  necessary 
to  have  temporary  relief  resort  to  enemas  in  pref- 
erence to  drugs.  A small  quantity  of  tepid  water 
will  usually  remove  the  contents  of  the  rectum.  If 
a thorough  evacuation  is  desired,  follow  directions 
on  page  34. 

Retaining  a pint  of  warm  water  over  night  has 
proved  beneficial  in  many  cases.  Yery  obstinate 
impaction  in  the  rectum  can  be  relieved  by  in- 
jecting from  one  to  two  ounces  ot  linseed  oil  in 
the  rectum,  and  retain  over  night  Use  a child’s 
rubber  piston  syringe  for  this  purpose. 

Going  entirely  without  supper,  or  adopting  the 
two  meal  system  has  proved  beneficial  in  obstinate 
cases  where  all  other  means  have  failed. 

The  frequency  and  time  of  eating  is  a great 
matter  of  habit.  By  constant  feeding,  one  can  get 
himself  to  crave  food  five  or  six  times  a day, 
while  the  system  can  be  well  and  satisfactorily 
nourished  upon  one  meal  a day. 

Brain  workers  especially,  will  find  great  advan- 
tage in  taxing  the  alimentary  processes  less  fre- 
quently. Once  deciding  to  do  without  supper, 
if  there  is  at  the  usual  meal  time,  a craving  for  food, 
it  can  be  satisfied  by  taking  a cup  of  hot  water, 
hot  lemonade  or  some  fruit  juice.  This  course 
must  be  faithfully  pursued  weeks  before  full  result 
can  be  determined. 

Finally  let  me  urge  thoroughness  and  persistence 
in  the  means  laid  down  to  overcome  torpid  bowels. 
Do  not  expect  a miracle,  but  know  by  giving  prop- 


LESS  FOOD  AND  BETTER  DIGESTION. 


59 


er  conditions,  normal  action  will  surely  be  restored, 
consequently  great  advantages  gained  in  every 
direction.  The  functions  of  the  bowels,  perfectly 
normal,  give  all  complaints  of  the  system  a fair 
chance  to  cure  themselves. 


CHAPTER  YL 


HEADACHE. 

Headache  in  pregnancy  is  caused  by  uterine 
irritation,  derangement  in  digestion,  or  both  com- 
bined. 

If  caused  by  uterine  irritation,  there  will  be 
burning  pain  in  the  top  of  the  head  or  at  the  base 
of  the  brain.  With  the  latter  there  is  great  sore- 
ness, and  the  patient  describes  it  as  a sore  pain. 
The  pain,  too,  is  constant  and  likely  to  affect  both 
vision  and  memory.  It  usually  increases  toward 
evening,  and  is  relieved  by  lying  down. 

For  this,  take  warm  sitz  baths  daily,  apply  hot 
fomentations  to  back  of  the  head,  aud  keep  in  a 
reclining  position  as  much  as  possible. 

Sick  headache  is  a severe  pain  in  the  forehead 
and  through  the  temples,  accompanied  by  nausea 
and  vomiting.  The  attacks  are  irregular  in 
frequency  and  duration.  The  causes  are  indiges- 
tion, biliousness,  constipation,  fatigue,  anxiety, 
etc.  For  prevention  of  the  attacks  the  treatment 
of  biliousness  and  constipation  will  be  effectual. 
Rubbing,  spatting,  brushing  and  combing  the  head 
often  wards  off  the  pain.  Large  drafts  of  hot 
water,  or  hot  lemonade,  or  salt  and  water  may  give 
relief.  Put  hot  applications  to  the  feet  and  fomen- 
tations upon  the  stomach.  Also  take  a hot  enema 
(60) 


SICK  HEADACHE. 


61 


of  three  quarts  of  water  and  two  table  spoons  of 
salt. 

One  under  any  circumstances  ought  to  he  ashamed 
to  have  sick  headache.  A little  common  sense  in 
the  methods  of  living  will  do  away  with  the  causes. 

Tea  drinking  as  a habit  has  much  to  do  in  pro- 
ducing headaches.  Tea  is  stimulating.  One  ever 
so  weary,  after  drinking  a cup  of  tea,  feels  as  good 
as  new.  Is  invigorated,  hopeful,  chatty  and  enter- 
taining. The  social  cup  of  tea!  Has  it  really 
restored  wasted  tissues?  Is  it  a genuine  nerve 
feeder?  Or  does  it  stimulate  the  native  forces  to 
greater  action?  Is  it  like  a whip  to  the  fagged 
horse,  spurring  it  on  to  more  toil?  Yery  little  tea 
is  appropriated  to  build  up  worn-out  tissues.  It 
gives  false  strength,  and  the  effect  is  accumulative. 
Reaction  causes  headache.  It  is  the  penalty  that 
follows  over-wrought  vitality. 

“ Dr.  Gregg  published  an  article  in  the  Homeo- 
pathic Quarterly  on  tea  as  a cause  of  sick  headache, 
worthy  of  the  attention  of  those  who  suffer  with, 
this  common  malady.  The  doctor  there  alleges 
that  this  beverage  is  the  cause  of  more  cases  of  this 
disease  than  any  other,  if  not  than  all  other  causes 
put  together,  and  gives  a number  of  instances 
where,  after  leaving  off  its  use,  persons  who  had 
previously  been  afflicted  were  exempt  from  further 
attacks.  One  evidence  the  doctor  gives  of  the  in- 
jurious effect  of  this  agent  is  the  fact  that  tea 
drinkers  are  liable  to  have  headaches  if  they  omit 
its  use  at  the  regular  times  of  taking  it,  and  the 
cessation  of  the  pain  on  again  resuming  the  cups. 


62 


TEA  AND  SICK  HEADACHE. 


This  latter  with  many  other  facts  contained  in  the 
article  have  often  been  observed,  not  only  on  my- 
self but  on  others,  for  I had  inherited  the  disease  from 
my  mother.  It  had  been  the  plague  of  her  life  as 
well  as  my  own.  We  had  both  been  not  excessive 
but  regular  tea-drinkers;  and  although  she  lived 
to  be  over  eighty  years  of  age,  she  was  never  ex- 
empt from  an  attack  of  greater  or  less  severity,  for 
more  than  a few  weeks  at  a time  for  a period  of 
nearly  or  quite  half  a century.  Knowing  this  fact 
and  that  from  my  earliest  recollection  I had  been 
similarly  affected,  I was  content  when  the  pain  re- 
turned, to  relieve  it  with  the  appropriate  remedies, 
with  little  hope  or  thought  of  ever  being  able  to 
eradicate  it.  Some  twenty  years  ago,  I had  aban- 
doned the  use  of  coffee  and  green  teas,  using  only 
the  black  and  Japan.  Pork,  pastry,  spices,  acids 
and  most  kinds  of  raw  fruits  were  sure,  if  in- 
dulged in,  to  bring  on  an  attack  of  my  old  trouble; 
and  thi3  weakness  of  the  stomach  seemed  to  be 
gradually  on  the  increase,  besides  a train  of  nervous 
symptoms,  such  as  sleeplessness,  palpitation  of  the 
heart,  unsteadiness  of  the  hand  when  writing,  etc., 
etc.,  gave  me  no  little  annoyance.  After  reading 
the  article  referred  to,  I concluded  some  three 
months  ago,  to  use  no  more  tea,  substituting  in  its 
stead  hot  water  with  a little  milk.  The  result  for 
the  first  week  or  ten  days  was  much  as  I had  antic- 
ipated, being,  during  the  whole  of  that  time, 
scarcely  ever  free  from  headache.  At  length  the  pain 
became  lighter  and  when  it  did  return,  was  of  short 
duration.  My  nervous  symptoms  grew  less,  palpita- 


HEADACHE  CAN  BE  CUBED. 


63 


tion  left  entirely,  my  6tomach  became  much  stronger. 
I can  now  eat  with  impunity  many  things  which 
for  years  had  been  sure  to  disagree.  The  headache 
now  very  rarely  returns,  and  never  with  severity; 
besides  within  the  past  two  months  my  weight  has 
increased  sixteen  pounds.” — Medical  Investigator . 

The  very  worst  sick  headaches  can  be  cured  by 
temperate  living.  A very  delicate  lady  was  sub- 
ject to  terrible  attacks  of  sick  headache,  at  least 
twice  a month.  They  would  last  from  twenty- 
tour  to  forty-eight  hours.  Her  sufferings  were 
simply  terrible.  She  had  dyspepsia  with  grave 
uterine  complications.  She  was  liable  to  die  in 
one  of  these  attacks  and  could  not  get  well  at 
home.  By  my  advice,  she  went  to  a hygienic 
institute  where  she  could  get  baths,  the  best  diet 
and  proper  attention. 

After  leaving  home  she  never  had  a severe  head- 
ache. Every  attack  was  warded  off  and  she  return- 
ed not  only  thoroughly  cured,  but  a convert  to  the 
belief  that  fruits  and  grains  afford  the  best  diet 
for  health  and  longevity.  One  has  not  always  the 
appliances  or  the  determination  (for  long  sickness 
weakens  the  will")  to  carry  out  a settled  and  desira- 
ble course  of  treatment  at  home.  In  such  a case 
a well  regulated  hygienic  institute  should  be 
sought. 

Heartburn  is  acidity  of  the  stomach;  dependent 
upon  the  quality  of  food  or  the  power  of  diges- 
tion. Avoid  starchy  foods,  fats  and  meats. 
Avoid  gravies.  I knew  a lady  that  always  has 
extreme  acidity  after  partaking  of  chicken  or  tu>  key 


64 


HEAKTBUKN. 


gravy,  while  nothing  else  has  a similar  effect.  To 
remedy  this,  take  the  meals  entirely  without  drink- 
ing. The  gastric  juice  that  dissolves  the  food  is 
not  secreted  until  the  liquids  have  passed  from  the 
stomach  by  absorption.  Anything  that  detones 
the  stomach  prevents  it  having  power  to  perform 
both  of  these  functions,  consequently  the  food  re- 
mains to  foment  and  sour.  If  acidity  is  present, 
the  gastric  juice  can  be  stimulated  by  eating  a 
piece  of  burnt  toast  or  taking  pulverized  charcoal. 
Some  understanding  this,  make  crackers  containing 
charcoal.  A few  mouthfuls  of  these  after  the 
meal  will  answer  the  purpose.  Avoid  a variety  at 
one  meal.  Choose  such  articles  as  experience  has 
proved  to  be  best  assimilated.  Do  not  take  mag- 
nesia, lime,  soda,  or  any  other  alkaline  for  this 
trouble.  They  injure  the  mucous  coat  of  the 
stomach,  and  the  difficulty  is  more  likely  to  recur 
another  day.  Drinking  copiously  of  warm  water 
may  be  resorted  to,  if  the  burning  is  severe.  This 
will  cause  vomiting  and  give  relief.  Abstain  from 
food  until  the  following  day,  and  eat  sparingly 
until  the  stomach  has  recovered  a healthy  tone. 

Flatulence  and  colic  arise  from  a failure  of  in- 
testinal digestion.  Many  of  the  vegetables  are 
inclined  to  cause  flatulence.  Beans,  sweet  potatoes, 
and  cabbage  most  frequently.  Corn  meal,  oat  meal, 
and  rolled  wheat  will  produce  flatulence,  if  not 
thoroughly  cooked.  All  of  these  require  more  time 
in  preparation  than  is  usually  given.  Drinking 
hot  water,  warm  water  enemas  or  the  fomenter  over 
the  stomach  will  give  temporary  relief. 


HEMORRHOIDS. 


65 


Observe  what  articles  of  food  cause  the  trouble 
and  avoid  them. 

Hemorrhoids  or  piles  are  caused  by  imflammation 
of  the  rectum  or  pressure  of  the  gravid  uterus. 

For  the  former  in  recent  cases  the  following 
recipe  will  seldom  fail  to  relieve: 

5 FI.  Ex.  Hamm  amelia,  3ij* 

Linseed  oil,  |ij. 

Mix. — Apply  externally  two  or  three  times  a day 
or  inject  with  a small  syringe. 

Rem  ember  that  piles  are  a local  indication  of 
a constitutional  disturbance  and  local  applications 
can  only  give  temporary  relief.  The  most  obstinate 
cases  can  be  overcome  in  time  by  correct  living. 
The  diet  should  be  similar  to  that  for  constipation. 

Dr.  Shew  says:  “There  is  nothing  in  the  world 
that  will  produce  so  great  relief  in  piles  as  fasting. 
If  the  attack  is  severe,  live  a whole  day  or  even  two 
days,  if  necessary,  upon  pure,  cold,  soft  water 
alone.”  I would  substitute  hot  water  and  hot  lem- 
onade, followed  several  days  with  liquid  food 
only.  Of  these  bran  gruel  is  the  best.  Tepid  sitz 
baths  and  cold  compresses  are  of  great  benefit. 

Excessive  secretion  of  saliva  is  only  another 
indication  of  indigestion  and  rarely  troubles  one 
who  lives  plainly.  Drinking  hot  water  will  relieve 
it.  Also  holding  very  hot  or  very  cold  water,  or 
pieces  of  ice  in  the  mouth  will  give  temporary  relief. 
It  rarely  fails  to  disappear  under  the  fruit  diet. 
Eating  a few  almonds  or  a peach  kernel  after  a 


66 


GREEDY  APPETITE. 


meal  often  produces  desirable  results.  Indeed  these 
are  often  valuable  for  indigestion. 

Greedy  appetite  is  more  to  be  feared  than  loss 
of  appetite.  “ One  is  hungry  all  the  time,”  com- 
plains she,  “ can  not  get  enough  to  eat,”  is  strong 
evidence  there  are  morbid  conditions.  The  system 
is  likely  to  take  on  excess  of  fat,  and  becomes  loaded 
with  poisonous  elements. 

To  fight  an  excessive  appetite  is  the  hardest 
battle  of  the  pregnant  woman.  If  convinced 
herself  that  overeating  is  injurious,  her  friends  are 
delighted  to  see  her  enjoy  her  food , and  furnish 
everything  that  pleases  her  taste,  and  she  eats  in 
season  and  out  of  season.  She  even  “ gets  so 
hungry  she  can  not  sleep,”  and  in  the  night  par- 
takes of  a pantry  feast.  If  the  best  conditions  are 
sought  for  self  and  child,  this  morbid  appetite 
must  be  overcome. 

Observe  religiously  a few  rules: 

On  no  account  eat  between  meals. 

Partake  mostly  of  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Keep  away  from  the  odor  of  food. 

Take  plenty  of  outdoor  exercise. 

When  a sense  of  hunger  comes  on,  drink  hot 
water,  or  hot  lemonade.  Have  a strong  will  to 
conquer  and  the  victory  will  be  won. 

Loss  of  appetite  is  seldom  sufficiently  persistent 
to  occasion  anxiety,  unless  accompanied  by  nausea, 
or  constipation.  [See  Chapter  Y.]  Usually  it  is 
nature’s  method  of  restoring  normal  conditions,  and 
if  let  alone  completely  will  right  itself.  One,  how- 
ever, is  so  imbued  with  the  fear  of  not  being  nour- 


LON  GIN  08. 


67 


iehed  that  she  forces  herself  to  eat  end  hence 
thwarts  nature.  If  there  is  no  appetite  eat  nothing , 
for  the  food  will  not  be  digested.  If  in  following 
this  rule  one  feels  a faintness  or  a “ goneness”  at 
the  stomach,  drink  thin  bran  gruel  hot,  or  a cup  of 
wheat  coffee.  Wait  for  the  next  meal — if  still 
there  is  no  appetite  pursue  the  same  course. 

Longings. — Many  women  all  through  pregnancy 
seem  possessed  to  fill  their  systems  with  the  vilest 
trash . They  must  have  chalk,  slate  pencils,  mag- 
nesia, starch,  condiments,  etc.  Sometimes  these 
longings  are  from  an  actual  want  in  the  system, 
then,  again,  morbid  conditions  crave  what  they 
feed  upon.  No  one  lives  sufficiently  natural 
to  depend  upon  the  instinct  for  food.  Without 
knowing  the  case  it  would  be  hard  to  say  if  the 
fancy  should  be  gratified.  Hundreds,  however, 
can  testify,  by  adopting  the  diet  laid  down  in  this 
book,  that  the  system  is  naturally  fed,  is  fully 
nourished  in  all  the  elements,  and  one  seldom 
suffers  from  craving  demands.  If  the  article 
desired  is  known  to  be  injurious,  like  cloves, 
pickles,  alcoholic  stimulants,  magnesia,  starch,  etc., 
it  is  better  to  overcome  the  desire.  The  juice  of  a 
lemon  in  hot  water,  a brisk  walk,  a ride,  or  a merry 
chat  with  a friend  will  dissipate  the  fancy.  Do 
what  is  better,  put  the  mind  on  something  above 
physical  desires.  Commit  a poem,  learn  a song, 
paint  a picture,  make  a garment,  or  do  a good,  gen- 
erous deed.  If  possible  rise  above  appetite. 

The  symptoms  of  pregnancy  treated  thus  far  are- 


68 


NBURAXGIA. 


usually  the  result  of  some  disturbance  in  the  func- 
tions of  alimentation. 

The  few  remaining  to  be  considered  also  would 
scarcely  ever  occur,  if  the  entire  system  was  rightly 
nourished.  Still  not  being  immediately  the  result 
of  failure  in  the  digestive  act  they  merit  special 
attention. 

Neuraxgia  and  neuralgic  toothache  are  common 
and  distressing  symptoms  during  gestation. 

The  child  of  the  forest,  the  peasant  girl  of 
Europe,  and  the  dusky  cotton  picker  of  the  South 
probably  have  no  conception  of  a neuralgic  pain. 

Our  cultured  civilization  incurs  the  infraction 
of  so  many  physical  laws  that  it  is  difficult  to  find 
the  cause  of  any  disease.  Neuralgia  is  not  unfre- 
quently  the  constant  companion  of  the  bilious, 
overfed,  or  perhaps,  I should  say,  thecarbonaceously 
fed,  subject.  Too  much  fuel  and  too  little  oxygen! 

Lack  of  nerve  food  is  another  cause.  The  phos- 
phates and  other  saline  elements  are  insufficient. 
Also  exhausted  and  weakened  nerves  making  an 
effort  to  recuperate  give  the  possessor  great  suffer- 
ing. The  mother,  who  already  has  several  children, 
wearied  and  worried  by  their  many  wants,  whose 
domestic  cares  are  a continual  burden,  who  has  no 
surcease  from  the  sexual  relation,  is  the  one  likely 
to  suffer  from  neuralgia.  Often  the  pregnant 
woman  strains  every  nerve  that  her  house  be  put 
and  kept  in  order.  She  spends  anxious  days  and 
sleepless  nights  in  weary  watching  over  a sick  child 
or  husband.  Suffering  must  surely  follow.  The 
tonics,  stimulants  and  opiates  prescribed  by  most 


SIMPLE  REMEDIES  BEST. 


69 


physicians  cause  worse  symptoms  than  the  original 
trouble.  Nature  demands  only  rest.  The  relief 
obtained  by  drugs  is  at  too  great  a sacrifice  of  vital 
force.  Nearly  all  that  take  opiates  attest  that  on 
the  following  day  sufferings  ensue  from  nausea, 
headache,  loss  of  appetite,  constipation,  etc. 

In  most  cases  hot  applications  will  give  sure 
relief.  Why  is  it,  that  simple  measures  are  the 
last  thought  of?  Use  the  fomenter  locally,  if  that 
is  not  sufficient,  give  a full  hot  bath  or  the  thermal 
bath.  See  Chap.  Till. 

Human  magnetism  is  superior  to  all  other 
agents  for  neuralgia.  Nearly  every  family  has 
some  member  that  possesses  the  gift  of  healing  by 
the  “laying  on  of  hands”  in  a greater  or  less 
degree.  The  spine  and  extremities  should  be 
manipulated  and  then  the  affected  part.  The 
patient  will  fall  into  a restful  sleep,  awaken  re- 
freshed if  not  cured  and  have  no  poisonous  drugs  to 
be  eliminated  from  the  system. 

Some  years  ago  I was  called  late  at  night  to  a lady 
who  for  days  had  suffered  untold  agony  from  facial 
neuralgia.  Her  face  was  greatly  swollen  and  the 
pain  was  so  intense  she  had  nearly  lost  her  reason. 
An  eminent  physician,  under  the  popular  delusion 
that  it  was  malaria , had  prescribed  quinine.  As 
she  had  protested  against  its  internal  administration, 
he  ordered  her  bathed  in  an  unction  of  quinine  and 
cosmoline.  Each  day  upon  finding  the  patient 
worse,  he  increased  the  frequency  of  the  quinine 
bath. 

Upon  entering  the  room,  she  seized  my  hand 


70 


OA BE  THOM  FUACYIOX. 


with  a vise-like  grip  and  said:  “Doctor,  give  me 

something  or  I must  die  of  this  agony  1” 

I assured  her  that  she  should  have  help.  Turn- 
ing to  her  husband,  I said:  “Bring  me  a wash- 

bowl with  hot  water  and  ammonia  in  it.  Put  four 
bricks  in  the  furnace  as  soon  as  you  can.” 

Quickly  the  whole  surface  was  cleansed  of  the 
obstruction  to  the  pores.  The  heated  bricks  were 
wrapped  in  wet  cloths  and  one  placed  each  side  of 
her  face.  Friction  was  applied  to  the  extremities, 
and  in  less  than  half  an  hour  after  I entered  the 
house  the  anxious  husband  and  friends  were  re- 
joiced to  see  the  patient  enjoying  a restful  sleep. 
She  made  a speedy  recovery.  There  are  few  cases 
of  neuralgia  that  can  not  be  relieved  by  this,  or 
similar  means.  “Will  not  the  pain  return?” 
Perhaps,  but  not  as  likely  as  where  the  nervous 
sensibility  has  been  destroyed  with  drugs. 

If  the  mother  has  facial  neuralgia  or  toothache 
and  can  not  be  spared  from  family  cares  to  take 
the  needful  bath  and  rest,  or  can  not  get  mag- 
netic treatment,  temporary  relief  can  be  obtained 
by  bathing  the  affected  part  in  the  tincture  of 
aconite.  This  is  rarely  followed  by  unpleasant 
results,  needs  to  be  used  cautiously  and  only 
externally. 

Cbamps  in  the  limbs  are  occasioned  by  pressure 
upon  the  crural  and  sciatic  nerves.  Frequently 
are  the  direct  result  of  pressure  from  clothing. 

For  temporary  relief  lie  flat  upon  the  back, 
head  and  shoulders  low  and  hips  elevated.  Apply 
hand  friction  to  the  limbs  and  back- 


SWELLING  OF  THE  EXTREMITIES. 


71 


The  only  permanent  relief  is  to  take  the  exercises 
that  will  expand  the  ribs  and  walls  of  the  abdomen, 
thus  giving  more  room  for  fetal  housekeeping. 

Swelling  of  the  extremities  is  caused  from 
biliousness  and  sluggish  circulation.  Oftentimes 
the  venous  circulation  is  so  deficient  that  varicose 
veins  are  the  result.  Sometimes  these  swell  and 
form  knots  and  tumors  of  great  size.  I recall  a 
patient  who  had  a varicose  tumor  as  large  as  the 
doubled  hand  situated  upon  the  labia.  These 
knotted  veins  give  great  distress  and  cause  much 
anxiety.  I have  never  known  of  their  annoying  a 
person  who  had  adopted  the  fruit  diet  and  other 
hygienic  measures. 

Temporary  relief  can  be  obtained  by  bathing  the 
limbs  in  cold  water,  putting  on  a roller  bandage 
made  of  strips  of  rubber.  This  should  be  from  an 
inch  and  a half  to  two  inches  wide.  It  must  be 
put  on  smoothly  and  equably.  Begin  at  the  toes, 
lap  the  edges  about  half  an  inch,  make  reverses  to 
prevent  creases  and  extend  above  the  swelled  veins. 

Pain  in  the  side,  either  right  or  left,  may  be  from 
the  same  cause  as  cramps  or  pains  in  the  limbs. 
Put  on  hot  fomentations  and  follow  the  directions 
for  cramps.  These  pains  may  extend  to  the  abdo- 
men, and  may  be  neuralgic  in  their  character  or 
may  assume  an  intermittent  form,  producing  what 
is  called  false  pains.  They  often  simulate  labor 
pains  so  closely  as  to  deceive  patient  and  friends. 
To  distinguish  them,  place  the  hand  upon  the  ab- 
domen during  the  pain.  If  contraction  of  the 
uterus  is  felt,  there  is  true  labor;  but  if  there  is 


72 


SLEEPLESSNESS. 


no  change  in  the  walls,  they  are  false  pains.  Fre- 
quent warm  sitz  baths  will  give  relief. 

Fob  bigidity  of  the  integument  of  the  abdo- 
men, bathe  in  hot  water,  then  rub  in  olive  butter 
or  cosmoline.  This  symptom  is  not  likely  to  be 
troublesome  if  there  is  good  muscular  develop- 
ment. 

Insomnia  is  the  result  of  reflex  nervous  action 
from  stomach  or  uterus.  The  causes  must  be  re- 
moved. Bathing  feet  and  legs  in  cold  water  or  a 
sitz-bath,  temperature  90  degrees,  followed  by 
thorough  friction  will  usually  give  sound,  refresh- 
ing sleep.  Try  changing  from  the  customary  bed, 
to  a lounge  or  another  apartment.  Hand  magne- 
tism or  the  magnetic  cap  will  afford  relief  to  many. 
Tea  and  coffee  often  produce  wakefulness,  and 
should  be  omitted. 

In  place  of  the  evening  meal  take  a cup  of 
hot  water  or  wheat  coffee.  "When  all  other  means 
are  without  avail,  this  abstinence  seldom  fails  to  se- 
cure sound,  refreshing  sleep  that  is  truly  “Nature’s 
sweet  restorer.”  Avoid  opiates.  Mother  and 
child  suffer  less  from  insomnia  itself  than  from  the 
effects  of  drugs  that  produce  sleep  by  their  ano- 
dyne effects.  By  these  the  processes  of  nature  are 
disturbed  and  all  the  functions  of  the  body  de- 
ranged. 

Leucoebhea. — A thin,  milky,  greenish  or  watery 
discharge  is  not  unfrequently  a great  annoyance 
in  pregnancy,  and  a drain  upon  the  vitality.  It  is 
usually  the  result  of  inflammation  in  the  uterus,  and 
vagina  or  an  irritation  set  up  by  hardened  feces  in 


LEUCOKRHEA. 


73 


the  rectum.  Leucorrhea  is  not  a disease,  but  is  sim- 
ply the  symptom  of  a disease  as  the  cough  or  sputa 
are  symptoms  of  bronchitis.  This  is  nature’s  effort 
to  throw  off  inflammation.  She  fails  in  the  attempt 
and  such  a condition  is  produced  that  the  discharge 
becomes  chronic.  Do  not  use  astringents  for  leu- 
corrhea. They  only  palliate  by  drying  the  secretion 
for  a short  time.  When  the  remedy  is  omitted  the  dis- 
charge returns  or  more  grave  symptoms  appear. 
The  cause  should  be  treated.  For  many  cases 
good  results  will  follow  the  use  of  hot  injections 
of  carbolic  soap  suds.  Two  hours  a day  wear  cot- 
ton in  the  vagina  saturated  with  glycerine.  This 
temporarily  increases  the  discharge,  but  aids  to  re- 
move irritation.  Like  other  symptoms  this  yields 
to  thorough  hygienic  measures. 

Pruritus  of  the  valve  often  becomes  very 
troublesome.  May  be  the  result  of  a sanious  leu- 
corrhea, excessive  dryness,  inflammation  or  erup- 
tions. For  the  first  cause  treat  accordingly.  For 
inflammation  of  the  labia  apply  cloths  in  a cold  lo- 
tion of  borax,  one  teaspoonful  to  a quart  of  water. 
For  dryness  apply  glycerine  upon  cotton.  There 
are  few  eruptions,  accompanied  by  great  pruritus, 
that  will  not  be  relieved  by  the  following  lotion: 


Add  benzoin  last  slowly. 

Apply  upon  absorbent  cotton  or  oakum.  Cleanse 
the  part  frequently  with  carbolic  soap  suds. 


74 


LEUOOBBHKJL. 


Dr.  Show  says:  “For  pruritus  the  sitz-bath 

should  be  taken  as  often  as  the  symptoms  occur, 
and  is  a sovereign  remedy.” 

In  subsequent  chapters  full  and  special  direc- 
tions are  given  for  hygienic  treatment  of  pregnan- 
cy. Consequently  it  is  not  deemed  necessary  to 
dwell  upon  all  the  diseases  that  may  occur.  Re- 
member that  pathological  conditions  are  unnatural, 
and  the  result  of  violated  laws.  It  is  true  with 
physical  as  moral  law. 

“Each  man’s  life 

The  outcome  of  his  former  living  is. 

The  bygone  wrongs  bring  forth  sorrow  and  woes; 

The  bygone  right  breeds  bliss, 

That  which  ye  sow,  ye  reap.” 


CHAPTER  VIL 


HYGIENE  OF  PBEGNAXOY. 

One  in  perfect  health,  living  according  to  phys. 
iological  laws,  needs  to  make  but  little  change 
during  the  period  of  gestation. 

If  a girl  possessed  of  a good  constitution,  has 
had  proper  physical  training,  she  is  prepared  to 
assume  the  responsibilities  of  marriage  and 
maternity. 

Realizing  her  obligations  to  offspring  and  pos- 
terity, long  before  assuming  the  marriage  relation, 
6he  will  study  and  practice  all  known  laws  of 
health.  Full  of  vigor,  life,  strength,  power;  her 
step  elastic,  bounding,  her  face  radiant,  her  pres- 
ence magnetic  ! What  more  charming  sight  than 
a rosy,  robust,  young  woman  1 To  such,  there  are 
no  fears,  no  forebodings  in  maternity! 

She  needs  not  the  counsel  of  physicians  or 
books.  Her  own  life  fulfills  the  law.  It  is  not  for 
her  I write,  but  for  the  majority  who  never  know 
the  blessedness  of  health. 

Dr.  Holbrook  says:  “Those  ailments  to  which 
pregnant  women  are  liable,  are,  most  of  them,  in- 
conveniences rather  than  diseases,  although  they 
may  be  aggravated  to  a degree  of  real  danger. 
Arising,  as  they  do,  from  the  temporary  physical 
condition  of  the  organism,  what  they  require  is, 
(75) 


76 


dr.  holbkook’s  opinion. 


not  such  medical  treatment  as  may  be  needed  for  a 
true  disease,  but  rather  a general  hygienic  regimen. 
For  a similar  reason,  while  on  one  hand  it  may  not 
be  possible  to  remove  them  entirely,  yet  on  the 
other  they  can  almost  always  be  greatly  alleviated. 

“ In  general,  however,  it  may  be  first  observed  that 
such  a wav  of  living  as  shall  maintain  and  elevate 
the  standard  of  general , mental  and  physical 
health , will  of  course  increase  the  power  of  resist- 
ing and  surmounting  all  ailments  whatever .” 

The  aim  of  this  work  is  to  show  how  this  stand- 
ard may  be  gained  and  maintained.  The  directions 
given  in  the  following  pages  are  simply  teachings 
of  nature.  FTo  nostrums  or  mysterious  prescriptions 
are  recommended;  the  lessons  taught  are  an  effort 
to  restore  what  has  been  robbed  from  us  by  our 
vaunted  civilization. 

Congenial  surroundings  both  for  health  of 
mother  and  child  are  essential. 

Wealth  and  luxuries  are  not  needful,  but  com- 
fort and  agreeable  companionship  are  desirable, 
with  freedom  from  excessive  physical  burdens  and 
mental  anxieties. 

Men  and  women  to-day  are  suffering  from  lack 
of  vitality  caused  by  the  over- work  and  burdens  of 
our  pioneer  mothers  during  gestation.  The  farmer 
who  would  not  work  his  mare  in  foal,  counsels  or 
provides  for  his  pregnant  wife  no  relief  from  toil  and 
care. 

The  mechanic’s  wife,  knowing  the  need  of 
making  every  dollar  do  its  utmost,  performs  the 
severest  drudgery  with  only  aches,  pains  and  puny 


OVERTAXED  MOTHERS. 


77 


offspring  for  her  compensation.  It  is  true  this 
condition  often  gives  to  woman  more  than  ordinary 
ambition,  which  may  excel  her  physical  strength. 
With  usual  health  and  suitable  surroundings,  she 
frequently  experiences  a mental  state  of  exaltation. 
She  expresses  herself  as  feeling  “ as  if  she  tread 
upon  air.”  Her  whole  being  drinks  from  the  foun- 
tain of  life.  She  is  brought  in  rapport  with  all 
things  divine.  She  herself  is  a creator,  and  is  it  not 
divine  to  create? 

In  this  state  of  exaltation  she  is  no  judge  of  her 
physical  strength.  The  prudent,  watchful  husband 
and  loving  ^friends  must  be  her  guardians.  She 
must  beheld  in  check  and  admonished  of  self-inter- 
est and  the  well-being  of  her  child.  Otherwise  great 
injuries  are  likely  to  be  inflicted  upon  herself  and 
offspring. 

I am  acquainted  with  a charming  old  lady,  whose 
seventy-eight  summers  have  left  her  in  possession 
of  health  and  happiness  as  a heritage  of  a well- 
spent  life.  In  talking  of  these  things,  she  says: 
“Doctor,  why  is  it  that  my  daughters,  Jane,  Rebec- 
ca and  Mary  Ann,  have  no  powers  of  endurance? 
Their  father  was  never  sick.  My  own  health  and 
strength  have  been  a marvel  to  every  one.  Why, 
the  three  girls  together  can  not  do  the  work  I could 
when  I was  their  age.  Girls  are  no  account  now- 
adays. 

“ When  I was  like  for  my  children,  I could  get  up 
and  milk  the  cows,  churn  and  make  cheese.  This 
was  not  all;  I could  take  the  wool  from  the  sheep’s 
back;  wash,  card,  spin,  weave  and  make  it  into  gar- 


78 


BOOIETT’s  DElLOrD. 


ments.  I could  walk  two  miles  to  church.  I slept 
soundly  and  ate  heartily.  Why,  what  would  have 
become  of  us,  if  I had  been  lying  about  in  silk- 
wrappers  and  satin  slippers,  dosing  with  drugs  as 
my  girls  do  now?” 

Bless  the  heart  of  the  dear  old  lady!  just  became 
she  did  all  this,  her  daughters  are  not  her  equals  in 
strength.  She  robbed  them  of  their  inheritance, 
by  spending  all  her  vitality  in  exhausting  labor, 
and  vicariously  they  atone  for  her  wrong-doing. 

The  woman  who  indulges  in  the  excessive  gaity 
of  fashionable  life,  deprives  her  child  of  vitality  as 
well  as  the  over-worked  woman.  She  attends  par- 
ties, in  a dress  that  is  unpliysiological  in  warmth, 
distribution  and  adjustment;  the  rooms  badly  ven- 
tilated, partakes  of  a supper  of  indigestible  com- 
pounds, and  remains  into  the  “wee  sma’ hours,” 
her  nervous  system  taxed  to  the  utmost. 

Faint,  weary  and  exhausted,  the  following  day  is 
spent  in  receptions  and  calls,  closing  with  theatre 
or  opera.  If  feticide  is  not  the  result,  can  any 
sane  woman  expect  her  child  under  such  circum- 
stances to  be  in  possession  of  vigor  and  strength? 
Bounding  health  is  the  inheritance  of  childhood. 
Woe  to  the  parent  who  robs  it  of  this  inheritance! 

I was  summoned  one  morning  by  a Mr.  B.,  a 
cheery,  successful  business  man,  to  6ee  his  wife. 

He  says:  “ Doctor,  I have  exhausted  my  skill 

and  must  have  advice  from  higher  authority.” 

“What  is  your  diagnosis?” 

“ Pregnancy,  five  months,  accompanied  by  hys- 
teria; unlike  herself,  she  is  irritable,  fretful  and 


AH  E VEST -DAY  EXPEBIEHCB. 


T9 


morose.  Sleeps  but  little,  and  has  no  patiencQ 
with  the  children  or  servants.” 

This  was  no  unusual  case.  I found  Mrs.  B.  liv- 
ing in  a handsome  three-story  dwelling  elegantly 
furnished.  Every  luxury  was  at  her  command. 
She  had  a delicate,  sensitive  organization,  ex- 
tremely susceptible  to  all  influences.  Her  five 
children  were  full  of  spirit,  noisy  and  exacting. 
A late  breakfast  caused  hurry  and  confusion  in 
preparation  for  school.  Upon  arriving  my  lady 
was  weeping  uncontrollably  and  apparently  in  great 
trouble.  I took  her  hand,  saying:  “ My  poor 
child,  what  is  it?  ” 

“ Oh,  I wish  I could  get  away  from  myself;  life 
is  not  worth  living.” 

“ Hone  can  do  that;  tell  me  all  and  let  us  see 
if  your  sorrows  and  ills  can  not  be  alleviated.” 

The  truth  was,  although  an  indulged  wife,  her 
burdens  were  beyond  her  strength.  The  Irish  cook, 
good-natured  and  efficient,  had  been  detected  in  car- 
rying provisions  to  a sick  friend.  The  second  girl 
had  a beau  every  night  who  remained  so  late  that 
she  had  insufficient  sleep.  In  consequence  was 
fretful  to  the  children  and  unfitted  for  all 
her  duties.  The  youngest  child,  still  a mere  baby, 
was  teething  and  required  attention  night  and  day. 
Though  surrounded  by  every  comfort  that  love 
could  procure,  her  strength  was  too  greatly  taxed, 
the  nervous  system  was  exhausted.  Later  in  the 
day  her  husband  called  at  my  office. 

He  says:  “ What  is  your  diagnosis,  doctor?  ” 

“ Overtaxed;  her  nervous  system  is  worn  out” 


80 


AN  e yes y -day  experience. 


“Why,  she  has  all  the  help  she  wants  and  needs 
do  nothing.” 

“ True;  but  there  is  no  help  to  be  had  for  the  very 
things  that  have  worn  her  out.  No  one  can  take 
a mother’s  place.  She  lias  children  too  fast  for  her 
strength.  She  is  a conscientious  mother,  desiring 
to  give  every  child  proper  training.  To  do  this  re- 
quires that  domestic  arrangements  be  systematic 
and  complete.  Successful  housekeeping  under 
modern  improvements  requires  the  combined  heads 
of  an  army  general  and  secretary  of  state.” 

“ Well,  doctor,  what  is  your  prescription?” 

“ Take  her  away  from  it  all.” 

“ Where  had  she  better  go?  ” 

“ To  her  mother,  a hygienic  institute,  or  what  is 
better,  go  away  with  her  yourself.  Have  a second 
honey-moon ; let  her  see,  hear  and  do  what  pleases 
her  best,  and  mark  my  word,  you  will  be  well 
paid.” 

Fowler  6ays,  “By  all  the  value  of  splendid 
children  over  poor  or  none,  should  all  other  inter- 
ests be  subservient  to  maternity,  not  it  to  them. 
Brush  aside  like  cobwebs  pecuniary,  ambitional, 
and  all  other  ends,  and  make  it  imperious  lord  over 
all.  Your  family  may  better  live  on  bread  and 
water,  and  you  have  splendid  children,  than  do  all 
this  work,  and  have  ill-natured  sickly  ones.  What 
are  stylish  rooms  and  furniture,  many  and  high 
seasoned  dishes,  in  comparison  with  a sweet  or 
hateful  child?  * * Your  child-bearing  mission 

is  your  one  duty.  Do  this  in  the  very  best  manner 
possible,  but  maJr-e  all  else  secondary.  See  that 


LUCRATIVE  WORK. 


81 


the  prospective  mothers  want  nothing.  They  de- 
serve, and,  as  society  advances,  will  yet  receive 
universal  sympathy,  along  with  the  utmost  care 
and  affection.” 

Because  of  the  suggestions  made  do  not 
suppose  an  idle,  dependent  life  is  counseled. 
By  no  means.  A woman  in  pregnancy,  as  at  other 
times  should  be  actively  employed,  and  if  it  can  be 
in  some  absorbing,  congenial,  lucrative  work,  so 
much  the  better.  It  is  the  incessant  nothings  of 
women’s  work  which  accomplish  so  little  that  wear 
out  the  nerves  and  exhaust  the  patience. 

“ Labor  is  life  1 ’Tis  the  still  water  faileth  1 
Idleness  ever  despaireth,  bewaileth  I 
Keep  the  watch  wound,  for  the  dark  night  assaileth. 
Flowers  droop  and  die  in  the  stillness  of  noon. 

Labor  is  glory  I The  flying  cloud  lightens: 

Only  the  waving  wing  changes  and  brightens. 

Idle  hearts  only  the  dark  future  frightens. 

Play  the  sweet  keys,  wouldst  thou  keep  them  in  tune.  ” 

A lady  who  is  well  known  to  a large  circle  of 
friends  as  a successful  writer  and  business  woman, 
who  is  the  mother  of  a large  family  of  sons 
and  daughters,  who,  at  the  age  of  forty-five,  is 
the  personification  of  health  and  energy,  had 
this  remarkable  experience:  During  the  period 

preceding  the  birth  of  her  fourth  child,  pecuniary 
misfortune,  and  the  ill  health  of  her  hus- 
band combined  to  make  it  necessary  for  her 
to  carry  on  his  business.  It  was  necessary  for  her 
to  walk  nearly  two  miles  every  day  to  his  store, 
where  she  staid  all  day,  absorbingly  engaged  in  the 


82 


EXPERIENCE. 


duties  of  looking  after  the  details  of  sales,  keeping 
the  books  and  accounts,  etc.,  after  which  day’s 
work  she  walked  back  to  her  home.  Everybody 
said  Mrs.  B.  would  surely  break  down,  but  instead 
of  doing  so,  she  preserved  the  most  vigorous  health 
and  experienced  none  of  the  sick  and  nervous  feel- 
ings usually  incidental  to  pregnancy.  When  the 
child  was  born,  the  extraordinary  circumstance 
that  its  birth  was  attended  with  scarcely  any  pain, 
led  the  physician  in  attendance,  and  the  lady  her- 
self to  inquire  what  might  be  the  cause  of  such  a 
happy  departure  from  the  usual  rule. 

JSTo  other  cause  could  be  assigned  than  the  long, 
regular  walks,  and  the  vigorous  state  of  her  bodily 
health.  Taking  a hint  from  these  facts,  in  all  her 
subsequent  pregnancies,  she  adopted  the  plan 
of  taking  a large  amount  of  out-door  exercise,  and 
keeping  her  mind  occupied  by  useful  employment, 
and  in  every  succeeding  birth  the  same  happy  re- 
sults were  obtained. 

That  she  was  engaged  in  an  absorbing  and  con- 
genial occupation,  no  doubt  had  much  to  do  with 
the  fact  that  maternity  to  her  only  seemed  one  of 
the  incidents  of  life.  She  had  no  time  to  foster 
aches  and  pains. 

Let  me  prophesy  that  different  and  improved 
methods  will  be  devised  to  accomplish  woman’s 
work.  The  mothers  of  the  future  will  be  less  bur- 
dened, and  at  the  same  time  achieve  more  satisfac- 
tory results  in  the  labor  performed. 

This  can  be  done  and  the  ideal  home  preserved. 
Under  the  present  system,  many  instances  of  de- 


PROPHECY  FOB  THE  FUTURE. 


83 


moralization  in  domestic  life  are  in  consequence  of 
the  mother’s  inability  to  fulfill  all  requirements  of 
her  position.  She  is  the  tie  that  holds  the  home, 
is  the  mainspring  of  home-life.  In  the  prophesied 
future,  she  may  not  wash  all  the  dishes  and  bake 
all  the  bread,  no  more  than  now  she  does  the  spin- 
ning and  weaving;  yet  the  maternal  love,  life  and 
instinct  will  build  a nest  far  more  adapted  to  suc- 
cessful rearing  of  offspring  than  is  now  done  under 
present  conditions. 

DRESS. 

“Give  me  & form,  give  me  a face 
That  lend  simplicity  and  grace, 

Robes  loosely  flowing,  hair  as  free, 

Such  sweet  neglect  more  taketh  me 
Than  all  the  adulations  of  art 
That  take  my  mind  but  not  my  heart.” 

From  first  to  last,  the  pregnant  woman’s  dress 
should  be  physiological  and  hygienic.  What  does 
this  demand?  Emphatically  looseness,  lightness, 
as  well  as  sufficient  and  equable  warmth. 

One  dressing  healthfully  needs  to  make  but  little 
change  for  pregnancy.  Under  all  circumstances 
and  at  all  times,  dress  should  cause  no  restriction 
to  respiration ; no  interference  with  digestion,  no 
obstruction  to  circulation.  In  pregnancy,  there 
should  be  no  hindrance  to  the  development  and  ele- 
vation of  the  uterus.  To  accomplish  this  a radical 
change  must  be  made  in  the  ordinary  dress  of 
women.  To  fulfill  any  useful  requirements  for  the 
most  part  it  is  now  a failure.  For  decorative  pur- 
poses also,  every  rule  of  art  is  violated,  while  beauty' 


84 


PHYSIOLOGICAL  DKHS8. 


and  elegance  are  often  sacrificed  to  fashion,  “ that 
most  inexorable  tyrant  to  which  the  greater  part  of 
mankind  are  willing  slaves.” 

Dr.  Trail  says:  “If  he  was  asked  what  one  agency 
stands  at  the  very  head  of  morbific  influences,  in 
causing  frailty  and  malformation,  he  should  answer 
woman's  dress." 

Who  will  come  to  the  rescue,  and  save  us  from 
garments  that  cause  disease  and  deterioration? 

Who  but  women  physicians!  In  conscientiousness 
of  the  right  and  integrity  of  purpose,  they  must 
teach  and  preach,  line  upon  line,  precept  upon  pre- 
cept, until  the  daughters  of  our  land  worship  at  the 
shrine  of  nature,  and  not  lay  down  their  health 
and  lives  as  sacrificial  offering  to  the  fickle  goddess 
Fashion!  I 

One  can  be  dressed  decently,  decorously,  harmo- 
niously; yes,  even  elegantly,  and  still  commit  no 
grave  violation  upon  physiological  functions.  To 
begin  at  the  foundation, how  shall  the  feet  be  dressed  ? 
Wear  only  a “common  sense”  shoe.  These  are  con- 
structed upon  anatomical  principles,  allowing  free- 
dom of  all  the  muscles  and  producing  no  pressure 
upon  nerves  or  blood  vessels.  The  sole  is  as  wide 
as  the  bottom  of  the  foot,  the  heel  is  little  if  any 
higher  than  the  sole.  The  curve  and  elasticity  of 
the  arch  and  freedom  of  the  toes  are  insured.  Many 
women  suffer  from  headache,  defects  in  vision,  loss 
of  voice,  indigestion,  backache,  etc.,  simply  from 
reflex  action  of  the  pressure  of  the  shoe  upon  nerves 
of  the  foot  An  elocutionist  of  fine  physical  devel- 
opment, weighing  at  least  170  pounds,  testified  he 


COMMON  SENSE  SHOES. 


b6 


could  not  command  the  cheat  tones  of  his  voice, 

if  his  hoots  caused  the  slighest  compression  of  his 
feet  Are  not  women’s  nerves  as  tell-tale  in  their 
communications  as  were  those  of  this  stalwart  man? 

Once  in  riding  in  a very  crowded  South  Side  car, 
two  bright,  intelligent  young  ladies  entered.  One 
with  a scowl  of  pain  and  fatigue  upon  her  face, 
says,  “ I do  wish  some  gentleman  would  give  me  a 
seat.  My  feet  are  just  coming  off.”  Her  compan- 
ion answered  gaily:  “ Oh,  I don’t  care  to  sit  down. 

I can  stand  as  well  as  any  man,  and  so  could  you 
if  you  wore  common  sense  shoes.” 

Reader,  this  is  not  all  you  could  do  “ as  well  as  a 
man  ” if  your  feet  were  your  untrammeled  servants. 

Do  you  say  that  these  6hoes  are  inelegant  and 
you  can  not  endure  them?  “ Ro  sensible  person 
can  really  suppose  there  is  anything  in  itself 
ugly  or  even  unsightly  in  the  form  of  a perfect 
human  foot;  and  yet  all  attempts  to  construct  shoes 
upon  its  model  are  constantly  met  with  the  objec- 
tion that  something]  extremely  inelegant  must 
be  the  result.  It  will  perhaps  be  a form  to  which 
the  eye  is  not  accustomed;  but  there  is  no  more 
trite  observation  than  the  ordinary  nature  of  fash- 
ion in  her  dealings  with  our  outward  appearance, 
and  we  all  know  how  anything  which  has  received 
her  sanction  is  for  the  time  considered  elegant  and 
tasteful,  though  a few  years  later  it  may  come  to 
be  looked  upon  as  positively  ridiculous.  That  our 
eye  would  soon  get  used  to  admire  a different  shape 
may  be  easily  proved  by  any  one  who  will  for  a 
short  time  wear  shoes  constructed  upon  a more 


86 


raiON  UNDER  GARMENTS. 


correct  principle,  when  the  prevailing  shoes,  sug- 
gestive of  cramped  and  atrophied  toes,  become 
positively  painful  to  look  upon!” 

If  one  persists  in  wearing  the  customary  shoe  in 
pregnancy  the  feet  may  swell,  and  untold  discom- 
fort result.  Comfort  is  frequently  obtained  at  the 
expense  of  the  husband’s  slippers.  Let  him  pro- 
vide his  wife  a pair  of  youth’s  slippers  at  least  two 
sizes  larger  than  her  own.  This  will  save  his 
Christmas  gift  and  possibly  teach  the  wife  a valu- 
able lesson  about  common  sense  shoes. 

In  the  Union  Under  Garments , or  combination 
suits,  there  is  a world  of  comfort  and  freedom. 

Properly  fitted,  once  adopting  these  garments, 
no  woman  will  “ back-slide  ” to  the  old  chemise  and 
drawers. 

The  chemise,  as  the  word  indicates,  is  of  Arabic 
origin.  Its  purpose,  being  made  of  wash  material, 
is  to  protect  other  clothing  from  emanations  of  the 
body.  In  its  native  country  it  is  high  necked 
and  long  sleeved.  Its  present  uncomfortable  6tyle 
had  its  origin  with  Parisian  demi-monde.  It  con- 
stricts the  shoulders  and  arms,  and  affords  insuffi- 
cient warmth  to  the  upper  part  of  back  and  chest. 
The  upper  part  of  the  lungs  needs  even  more  pro- 
tection than  the  lower,  and  especially  on  the  back. 
The  band  of  the  drawers  can  not  be  adjusted  so  it 
will  not  detract  from  the  free  use  and  development 
of  the  muscles  upon  which  it  presses. 

The  union  under-flannels  can  be  found  in  most 
shops,  of  every  grade — from  the  imported  Scotch 
to  very  inferior  American.  Not  being  able  to  pro- 


UHDEB  GARMENTS HOW  MADE. 


87 


cure  them,  one  can  change  the  ordinary  vest  and 
drawers.  Rip  off  the  band  from  the  latter,  try  them 
on  and  adjust  them  perfectly.  Remove  the  surplus 
in  the  front  from  the  drawers,  and  in  the  back  from 
the  vest;  put  them  together  with  a lap  seam,  leav- 
ing the  extra  fullness  of  the  drawers  in  the  back, 
making  a comfortable,  satisfactory  garment. 

These  can  be  worn  winter  and  summer,  if  de- 
manded by  the  needs  of  the  climate,  or  individual. 
Over  these,  in  the  winter,  wear  a flannel  or  ladies’ 
cloth  suit  called  “ chemiloons.” 

These  can  be  trimmed  and  embroidered  to  one’s 
taste.  In  the  summer  the  same  garment  can  be 
made  of  cotton  or  linen  and  worn  with  or  without 
the  union  under-flannels.  Remember  always  that 
the  comfort  of  these  garments  depends  upon  a per- 
fect fit  Don’t  expect  other  people’s  patterns  or 
those  you  buy  will  be  adapted  to  you. 

To  make  a desirable  pattern,  cut  a suit  from  old 
material  and  fit  perfectly. 

Be  sure  they  are  sufficiently  long  in  the  back. 
Shortness  in  the  seat  is  a fault  of  most  patterns  for 
sale.  Remedy  this  by  putting  a two  inch  fold  in 
the  cloth  on  the  side,  where  the  back  of  the  pattern 
comes.  The  sleeves  of  these  chemiloons  should  be 
long,  especially  the  flannel  for  winter. 

Over  these  wear  a princesse  waist , which  is  a waist 
and  skirt  combined.  This  can  be  made  of  muslin, 
drilling  or  silicia  and  trimmed  elaborately  if  desired. 
Can  be  cut  from  a polonaise  or  princesse  dress 
pattern  having  it  about  the  length  of  an  ordinary 
under-skirt.  To  this  put  one  or  two  rows  of  bnt- 


88 


DRE89  AND  FREEDOM  FOB  WOMEN. 


tons,  six  each,  for  the  attachment  of  skirts.  With 
the  proposed  underwear,  few  will  be  needed. 

If  only  one  is  worn  that  and  the  outside  skirt 
should  be  buttoned  to  the  waist.  Dressed  in  the 
above  garments,  with  skirt  and  dress  waists  loose 
enough  for  the  performance  of  every  bodily  func- 
tion, one  will  feel  as  if  she  had  really  broken  chains, 
or  escaped  prison  bars. 

A tall,  noble,  brilliant,  queen-like  looking  woman 
had  been  a great  sufferer  from  disease,  drugs,  doc- 
tors and  dress.  With  characteristic  energy  to  re- 
gain health,  she  had  made  a complete  change  in  her 
garments.  No  one  who  saw  her,  will  forget  her 
electrifying  expression  of  triumph  as  she  wralked 
into  the  room  and  exclaimed:  “ For  the  first  time 

in  my  life  I am  an  emancipated  woman.” 

Freedom  in  dress  had  given  her  freedom  to 
breathe,  live,  think,  walk,  and  work.  Freedom  in 
dress,  with  proper  physical  training,  makes  it  possi- 
ble at  least  for  every  young  girl  to  possess  the  form 
of  a Yenus  or  Minerva. 

What  is  the  test  of  the  dress  being  sufficiently 

loose? 

One  is,  lying  flat  upon  the  back  and  with  the 
hips  slightly  elevated,  to  be  able  to  take  a full, 
deep  and  prolonged  respiration  without  hindrance. 
Another  is  to  hold  a book  between  the  tips  of  the 
middle  fingers,  raise  the  arms  perfectly  perpendic- 
ular and  parallel  to  the  sides  of  the  head,  inflate 
the  lungs  and  promenade  the  room.  If  this  can  be 
done  easily  the  dress  offers  no  restraint  for  any 
movement  of  the  body.  By  the  ordinary  dress 


DRESS  IN  PREGNANCY. 


89 


even  if  there  is  not  actually  tight  lacing,  simply  a 
snug  fit,  we  get  alterations  in  the  shape  and  posi- 
tions of  the  organs.  “ When  it  is  considered  that  the 
organs  which  are  affected,  are  those  by  which  the 
important  functions  of  respiration,  circulation  and 
digestion  are  carried  on,  as  well  as  those  essential  to 
the  proper  development  and  healthy  growth  of  future 
generations,  it  is  no  wonder  that  people  suffer  who 
have  reduced  themselves  to  live  under  such  condi- 
tions.” 

For  the  pregnant  woman  especial  pains  should 
be  taken  that  the  outside  dress  be  of  light  material 
and  devoid  of  surplus  trimming.  A princesse 
wrapper  is  preferable.  This  reduces  the  number 
of  bands,  throws  the  weight  upon  the  shoulders, 
and  relieves  the  back  and  abdomen  from  pressure. 
Any  morbid  sensibility  in  regard  to  appearance,  in 
the  true  woman,  will  be  lost  sight  of  in  the  great 
good  to  herself  and  child  by  having  a healthful 
dress. 

Hark!  I hear  a distant  murmur  of  questions. 
From  many,  these  reach  my  ear: 

Are  the  garments  you  describe  all  a lady  is  to 
wear?  Does  she  not  need  a corset?  What  if  one 
can  not  hold  herself  up  without  a corset?  Will 
she  wear  a corset  under  or  over  the  princesse  waist? 
Does  a loose  corset  do  any  harm?  Wouldn’t  you 
recommend  Madame  Foy’s  corset?  Won’t  she  be 
benefited  by  Dr.  Warner’s  health  (?)  corset? 
What  about  health  reform  corsets?  And  faster 
and  faster  the  questions  come  until  my  ears  are 
deafened  with  “ corset,”  “ corset,”  “ corset.” 


90 


WHAT  CORSET  CAN  BE  WORH? 


If  women  had  common  sense  instead  of  fashion 
sense , the  corset  would  not  exist.  There  are  not 
words  in  the  English  language  to  express  my  con- 
victions upon  this  subject.  The  corset  more  than 
any  other  one  thing  is  responsible  for  woman’s  be- 
ing the  victim  of  disease  and  doctors. 

Who  can  begin  to  prophesy  the  untold  and 
manifold  sufferings  that  a factory  full  of  corsets 
must  be  responsible  for?  And  where  is  the  end? 
If  only  the  wearer  had  to  pay  the  penalty  with 
pain  and  weakness,  we  might  hold  our  peace. 

One  half  of  the  children  born  die  in  this 
country  before  they  are  five  years  of  age.  Who 
can  tell  how  much  this  state  of  things  is  due  to  the 
enervation  of  maternal  life  forces  by  this  one  in- 
strument of  torture? 

I am  a temperance  woman.  Ho  one  can  realize 
more  than  I,  the  devastation  and  ruin  alcohol  in  its 
many  tempting  forms  has  brought  to  the  human 
family.  Still  I solemnly  believe  that  in  weakness 
and  deterioration  of  health  and  moral  principle,  the 
corset  has  more  to  answer  for,  than  intoxicating 
drinks. 

What  affects  the  physical,  affects  the  spiritual; 
what  affects  the  animal  life,  affects  the  mental. 

Given  a physical  body  dwarfed  and  deteriorated 
in  any  respect  and  a corresponding  deficiency  in 
spiritual,  intellectual  and  moral  worth  is  likely  to 
exist.  Look  at  our  men  and  women  who  have 
been  grand  and  successful  in  achievement,  noble  in 
purpose  and  vigorous  in  intellect.  With  few  ex- 
ceptions they  are  men  and  women  of  harmonious, 


CAN  A LOOSE  COBSET  BE  WOEN? 


91 


strong,  athletic  physiques.  W omen  can  not  possi- 
bly attain  to  this  condition  under  the  restricting 
influence  of  corded  and  steeled  garments. 

“ "What  possible  harm  can  a corset  do  if  worn 
loose?” 

My  friend,  put  a band  quilted  full  of  cords  and 
bones  upon  the  arm  of  your  active  boy,  whose  ath- 
letic feats  are  your  pride;  let  him  wear  it  ever  so 
loosely  and  witness  the  deteriorating  effect  upon  his 
biceps  and  triceps  muscle!  Put  a similar  bandage 
upon  your  pet  cat  or  dog,  just  as  loosely  as  can  be 
retained  and  watch  the  result  upon  respiration, 
digestion  and  circulation!  Mark  my  word,  in  less 
than  a month  it  will  take  more  than  pepsin  to  make 
the  food  of  that  animal  digest  or  magnetic  insoles 
to  keep  its  feet  warm. 

At  the  close  of  one  of  my  medical  conversations 
a bright,  intelligent  young  married  woman  took 
me  aside  and  asked  me  very  confidentially,  how  far 
advanced  a woman  should  be  in  pregnancy  before 
she  laid  aside  the  corset.  I had  for  several  days 
repeated  and  reiterated  in  strongest  terms  my  con- 
victions that  it  was  always  to  be  deprecated  and 
never  tolerated.  Consequently,  I was  greatly  as- 
tonished at  the  question.  I replied:  “ Is  it  possi- 

ble with  all  these  illustrations  and  all  this  strong 
language  I have  not  made  myself  plain?  Have 
I talked  in  vain?”  Then  loud  enough  for  the 
group  standing  about  to  hear,  I said,  “ The  corset 
should  not  he  worn  for  two  hv/ndred  years  before 
'pregnancy  takes  place.  Ladies,  it  will  take  that 
time  at  least  to  overcome  the  ill  effects  of  this  gar- 


92 


DKES3  AND  CHBONIC  AILMENTS. 


ment  which  you  think  so  essential  to  your  exist- 
ence.” 

Abandoning  the  corset  entirely  and  adopting  a 
physiological  dress,  aside  from  lessening  suffering 
in  pregnancy,  goes  very  far  toward  alleviating, 
yes,  even  curing , many  of  the  diseases  peculiar  to 
women. 

Hundreds  of  ladies  have  testified  that  after  trying 
in  vain  the  most  skillful  physicians,  they  have  been 
forced  to  look  into  the  cause  of  their  troubles  for 
themselves.  Once  a woman  begins  to  think  out- 
side of  Fashion’s  dictum,  she  surely  thinks  herself 
out  of  the  bars  of  dress.  Once  free,  her  road  to 
recovery  is  made  clear.  With  other  common  sense 
rules  of  living  health  becomes  restored  and  pre- 
cious life  saved. 

Many  girls  long  unfitted  for  work  have  obtained 
health  and  strength  simply  by  a change  in  dress. 
An  agent  for  reform  dress  goods  gives  an  interest- 
ing incident  that  occurred  in  an  Iowa  college.  The 
professor  of  natural  history,  a petite  lady,  upon 
seeing  the  goods  became  very  enthusiastic  and  gave 
quite  a lecture  upon  their  advantages  to  the 
students.  She  said  in  her  school  days  and  first 
years  of  teaching  she  could  not  walk  over  three 
blocks  without  fatigue  and  actual  pain.  When  her 
day’s  work  was  done  6he  was  compelled  to  lie 
down,  being  unable  to  see  friends  or  do  extra  work. 
Four  years  previously,  however,  she  had  adopted 
“ common  sense  ” shoes,  the  reform  underwear,  also 
a 6kirt  supported  by  a waist,  and  the  dress  itself 
made  loose  and  light,  as  well  as  short  enough  to 


FASHION  IN  DEFORMITY. 


93 


clear  the  mud  in  walking.  By  this  change  in  her 
habits  she  had  become  able  to  walk  miles  in  her 
search  for  specimens,  and  knew  nothing  of  weari- 
ness or  the  necessity  of  rest,  save  regular  hours  at 
night.  This  is  not  an  exaggerated  case,  and  thou- 
sands of  delicate,  tired,  useless  girls  can  become 
strong  and  useful,  if  they  will  “ go  and  do  like- 
wise.” 

Prof.  N.  H.  Flower  closes  his  admirable  work 
upon  “ Fashion  in  Deformity  ” with  these  valuable 
thoughts:  “The  true  form  of  the  human  body  is 

familiar  to  us  from  classic  models.  It  is,  however 
quite  possible  that  some  of  us  may  think  the  pres- 
ent fashionable  shape  the  more  beautiful  of  the  two. 
In  that  case  it  would  be  well  to  consider  whether 
we  are  sure  our  judgment  is  sound  on  this  subject. 
Let  us  remember  that  to  the  Australian  the  nose- 
peg  is  an  admired  ornament,  that  to  the  Thleinket, 
the  Botocudos  and  Congo  negro,  the  lip  dragged 
down  by  a heavy  plug,  and  the  ears  distended  by 
huge  disks  of  wood,  are  things  of  beauty;  that  the 
Malay  prefers  teeth  that  are  black.  Let  us  care- 
fully ask  ourselves  whether  we  are  sure  that  in  leav- 
ing nature  as  a standard  of  the  beautiful,  and 
adopting  a purely  conventional  one,  we  are  not 
falling  into  an  error  exactly  similar  to  that  of  all 
these  people  whose  tastes  we  are  so  ready  to  con- 
demn. The  fact  is,  that  in  admiring  such  distorted 
forms  as  the  constricted  waist  and  pointed  foot,  we 
are  opposing  our  judgment  to  the  Maker  of  our 
bodies,  we  are  neglecting  the  criterion  offered  by 
nature;  we  are  simply  putting  ourselves  on  the  level 


94 


TIGHT  LACING. 


in  point  of  taste  witli  those  Australians,  Botocudos, 
and  negroes.  "We  are  taking  fashion,  and  nothing 
better,  higher  or  truer  for  our  guide,  and  may  we 
not  well  ask  with  Shakespeare:  “ Seest  thou  not 
what  a deformed  thief  this  Fashion  is?  ” 

Prof.  O.  S.  Fowler,  ever  a staunch  and  fearless 
advocate  for  health  and  temperance,  only  empha- 
sizes what  all  sensible  persons  must  believe: 

“ Tight  lacing  is  the  second  and  chief  cause  of 
infantile  mortality.  That  it  inflicts  the  very  worst 
forms  of  ruin  on  woman  and  offspring  is  self-evi- 
dent. No  evil  equals  that  of  curtailing  this  ma- 
ternal supply  of  breath;  nor  does  anything  do  this 
as  effectually  as  tight  lacing.  If  it  were  merely  a 
female  folly,  or  if  its  ravages  were  confined  to  its  per- 
petrators, it  might  be  allowed  to  pass  unrebuked; 
but  it  strikes  a deadly  blow  at  the  very  life  of 
the  race.  By  girting  in  the  lungs,  stomach,  heart,  di- 
aphragm, etc.,  it  cripples  every  one  of  the  life-man- 
ufacturing functions,  impairs  the  circulation,  pre- 
vents muscular  action,  and  lays  siege  to  the  child- 
bearing citadel  itself.  By  the  value  of  abundant 
maternal  vitality,  air,  exercise  and  digestion,  is  this 
practice  murderous  to  both.  It  often  destroys 
germinal  life  before  or  soon  after  birth,  by  most  ef- 
fectually cramping,  inflaming  and  weakening  the 
vital  apparatus  and  stopping  the  flow  of  life  at  its 
fountain-head.  It  slowly  but  surely  takes  the  lives 
of  tens  of  thousands  before  they  marry,  and  so  ef- 
fectually weakens  and  diseases  as  ultimately  to  cause 
the  death  of  millions  more.  No  tongue  can  tell,  no 
finite  mind  conceive  the  misery  it  has  occasioned 


TIGHT  LACING. 


85 


nor  the  number  of  deaths  directly  and  indirectly 
of  young  women,  bearing  mothers,  and  weakly  in- 
fants it  has  occasioned;  besides  the  millions  on 
millions  it  has  caused  to  drag  out  a short  but 
wretched  existence.  If  this  murderous  practice 
continues  another  generation,  it  will  bury  all  the 
middle  and  upper  classes  of  women  and  children 
and  leave  propagation  to  the  coarse-grained  but 
healthy,  lower  classes.  Most  alarmingly  has  it  al- 
ready deteriorated  our  very  race  in  physical  strength, 
power  of  constitution,  energy  and  talents.  Let  those 
who  had  rather  bury  than  raise  their  children,  marry 
tight  lacers. 

“ Moralists,  Christians,  reformers,  philosophers 
and  philanthropists  of  all  sects  and  grades,  come,  let 
us  unite  in  presenting  a frowning  front  to  this  race- 
ruining  practice,  and  bachelors  insist  on  natural 
waists  or  no  wives,  and  frown  down  a practice  your 
patronage  imposes.  Woman  will  cease  to  lace  just 
when  and  because  you  cease  to  require  it;  for  she 
dresses  only  as  pleases  you.” 


CHAPTER  VIIL 


BATHING  IN  PEKGNANCJT. 

The  processes  of  nutrition  and  waste  are 
more  active  in  the  pregnant  woman  than 
in  any  other.  Her  condition  is  more  like 
that  of  a child’s,  consequently  she  can  bathe 
more  frequently  with  advantage.  When  the  first 
“ water  cure  ” fever  ran  like  wild-fire  through  this 
country,  many  were  alarmed  lest  the  child-bearing 
woman  would  literally  wash  herself  away,  or 
at  least  do  great  harm.  Still,  although  the  cold 
water  washing  was  carried  to  great  excess,  yet  few 
cases  came  to  light  where  any  one  was  injured  by 
it;  while  hundreds  bear  testimony  that  they  were 
greatly  benefited.  Relief  was  obtained  both  for 
the  suffering  during  pregnancy  and  at  confinement. 
One  step  at  least  was  taken  in  advance  which  never 
can  be  retraced.  Previous  to  that  time  women  were 
actually  afraid  of  water.  It  might  be  well  for  oth- 
ers, but  tradition  and  prejudice  had  engraven  it  up- 
on the  very  soul,  that  if  a pregnant  woman  bathed 
in  cold  water  she  ran  great  risk,  and  if  her  hands 
even  were  put  in  cold  water  after  confinement  she 
would  surely  die. 

The  “water  cure”  people  took  the  other  extreme. 
The  woman  doused  and  6wara  the  whole  nine 
months,  and  fifteen  minutes  after  her  child  was 
(96) 


I 


WATEH  AM)  INNOVATION.  97 

born  she  would  be  lifted  in  her  full  or  sitz-bath. 
The  doctor  and  the  good  grandmother  could  ac- 
count for  the  fact  that  she  survived,  save  by  attrib- 
uting it  to  some  special  providence.  Forty  years 
only  have  worked  wondrous  changes,  and  now  all  in- 
telligent women  know  the  luxury  of  the  bath  in  this 
condition,  if  not  its  healing  power. 

The  sponge  oe  towel  bath  taken  in  the  morn- 
ing, two  or  three  times  a week,  is  stimulating  and 
invigorating.  No  more  than  two  minutes  is 
required  for  this  bath.  Should  be  taken  immedi- 
ately upon  rising  while  the  temperature  of  the 
body  is  warm  enough  to  insure  thorough  reaction. 
The  colder  one  can  use  the  water,  the  more  sure 
the  reaction.  The  first  few  mornings  bathe  the 
upper  part  of  the  body  only.  In  a short  time  one 
can  venture  upon  the  whole  surface.  It  should  be 
followed  by  friction  with  a Turkish  towel  or  coarse 
mitten,  and  if  the  person  is  not  strong,  with  rub- 
bing by  an  assistant.  Then  for  five  minutes  take 
deep  inspirations  of  fresh  air,  and  the  people  are 
few  who  do  not  feel  good  after  this  ablution.  It 
is  par  excellence. the  “ounce  of  preventive.”  It  is 
a “coat  of  mail”  against  colds,  catarrhs  and  in- 
fluenzas. To  the  pregnant  woman  it  is  life  and 
vitality,  and  atones  for  a multitude  of  physical 
sins.  A man  once  wrote  that,  “ by  wearing  mag- 
netic appliances  ozone  was  developed  in  the  blood.” 
Whether  he  knew  what  ozone  was,  or  what  condi- 
tion the  blood  was  in  when  ozone  was  in  it,  is  not 
proven.  If,  however,  it  is  possible  to  get  a condi- 
tion in  which  you  feel  there  is  “ ozone  in  the 


THK  OUNCE  OF  PKEVENTloa, 


blood,’’  it  is  after  one  of  these  qnick,  cold,  tonic, 
invigorating  sponge  baths.  My  experience  in 
prescribing  it  has  not  proven  that  even  diurnal 
frequency  is  debilitating.  Too  many  warm  baths 
may,  in  time,  reduce  the  physical  standard.  But 
simply  wetting  the  surface,  with  hand,  sponge  or 
towel  in  cold  water,  or,  what  some  prefer,  dashing 
cold  water  quickly  over  the  body,  is  a decided 
tonic.  The  only  rule  against  taking  it  is  where 
one  remains  cold,  showing  it  is  not  followed  by 
reaction.  A little  courage  and  perseverance  is  re- 
quired to  form  the  habit — once  formed,  few 
would  relinquish  it. 

A sitz-bath  is  one  of  the  most  desirable  baths  for 
the  pregnant  woman.  A tin  tub  made  especially 
for  this  bath,  requiring  but  little  water,  ought  to 
be  in  every  household.  If  unable  to  procure  one, 
a small-sized  wash-tub  can  be  used,  raising  one 
side  on  a stick  of  wood.  Unless  for  the  relief  of 
pain  or  acute  inflammation,  tepid  water  is  most 
beneficial.  Commence  taking  them  with  the  tem- 
perature at  90°  Fahrenheit  and  gradually  decrease 
it, until  toward  the  last  months  it  is  as  low  as  60*. 
Remain  in  it  from  three  to  eight  minutes,  then 
have  towel  and  hand  friction,  followed  by  rest  in  the 
reclining  position,  and  sleep  if  possible.  If  it  causes 
“ a rush  of  blood  ” to  the  head,  remain  in  a less 
time  and  put  a wet  napkin  around  the  neck. 
From  ten  to  twelve  o’clock  is  the  best  time  to  take 
this  bath.  If  one  has  not  time  to  rest  at  this  hour 
it  can  be  taken  just  before  retiring.  Without 
the  rest  half  the  value  is  lost.  This  bath 


THE  8ITZ-BATH* 


99 


is  a tonic,  sedative,  alterative,  laxative,  diuretic, 
anti-spasmodic,  anti-periodic,  anti-phlogistic,  etc.; 
indeed,  it  will  do  almost  anything  desired  to  be 
done  for  the  pregnant  woman.  It  restores  nervous 
equilibrium,  it  removes  obstructions  from  the  sur- 
face, is  invaluable  for  portal  congestion,  and  for  in- 
flammation of  any  of  the  abdominal  or  pelvic  vis- 
cera. Nothing  is  better  for  insomnia,  facial  neu- 
ralgia, nausea,  biliousness,  constipation,  hemor- 
rhoids, cramps,  varicose  veins,  fatigue,  head-ache, 
nervousness,  etc.,  etc. 

Let  me  impress  it  thoroughly  upon  the  mind 
that  a woman  has  omitted  the  most  effectual  re- 
medial agent  for  pathological  symptoms,  if  she  has 
not  tried  this  bath;  and  not  once  only,  but  has 
taken  them  every  day,  or  twice  a day,  for  at  least  a 
month.  She  may  have  taken  any  amount  of  rem- 
edies, may  have  used  outside  appliances,  but  if 
she  has  not  had  this  tepid  sitz-bath  she  has  omitted 
the  very  hest  and  surest  means  of  relief.  It  can 
not  do  harm  and  it  can  do  great  good. 

If  there  is  severe  pain  from  colic,  neuralgia,  or 
acute  inflammation,  the  bath  should  be  taken 
warm,  and  in  some  instances,  quite  hot;  this  should 
be  continued  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  with  the 
patient  enveloped  in  blankets;  if  not  already  ac- 
customed to  it,  use  hot  water  cautiously  the  last 
two  months  of  gestation,  as  it  possibly  may  induce 
premature  labor.  The  subsequent  treatment  is 
much  the  same  as  after  the  tepid  bath. 

Hot  fomentations  are  administered  usually  by 
wringing  a flannel  cloth  out  of  simple  or  medicatedi 


100 


HOT  FOMENTATION. 


hot  water,  and  applying  to  the  affected  part.  Some 
physicians  prescribe  bags  of  hops,  tansy,  smart- 
weed,  etc.  Or  else,  Indian  meal  or  flaxseed  poul- 
tice to  be  kept  hot  in  a steamer.  All  these  applian- 
ces are  remonstrated  against  by  patients  and  nurses. 
They  are  disagreeable  and  untidy.  The  bed  gets 
wet  and  soiled,  the  patient  likewise.  Moist  heat  is 
wanted,  but  one  is  more  likely  to  get  moist  cold, 
which  has  a dampening  effect  upon  both  body  and 
mind.  The  nurse  scalds  her  hands,  ruins  clothing, 
and  execrates  the  doctor  who  prescribed  them. 

There  are  several  modes  of  making  hot  applica- 
tions with  far  less  trouble.  Put  part  of  a sheet  or 
blanket  around  the  patient,  to  protect  the  bed  and 
clothing.  Then  lay  a newspaper  upon  a cook  stove, 
or  flat  top  of  a heating  stove.  Wring  a large  flan- 
nel cloth,  dry  as  possible,  out  of  cold  or  tepid  water. 
Lay  it  between  the  folds  of  the  paper,  and  it  will 
soon  steam  hotter  than  can  be  handled.  Take  it  to 
the  patient  and  place  it  underneath  the  sheet, 
in  contact  with  the  body.  Have  another  cloth 
heating,  to  take  the  place  of  this  one  when  it 
ceases  to  be  hot.  Do  not  wait  for  it  to  be  cool. 
The  virtue  of  a fomentation  is  in  the  heat,  and  the 
temperature  must  be  kept  hot.  Another  still  more 
simple  method,  desirable  where  the  patient  must 
wait  upon  herself,  is  to  wring  a cloth  from  warm 
water;  place  it  over  the  part  requiring  treatment, 
then  wrapping  a hot  6tove  lid  in  several  papers,  put 
it  over  it,  and  keep  it  there.  This  need  not  be 
changed  often,  and  gives  the  patient  opportunity 
,to  rest.  A still  better  method,  requiring  a small 


/ 


HOT  WATER  BOTTLE.  101 

outlay  of  money,  is  to  use  the  rubber  “ hot  water 
bottle.”  These  usually  can  be  readily  procured 
of  different  sizes,  holding  from  one  to  four  quarts  of 
water.  Boiling  water  can  be  used  in  them,  and 
the  heat  will  be  retained  many  hours.  They  are 
soft,  pliable  and  agreeable  to  the  touch,  and  adjust 
themselves  to  every  part  of  the  body;  can  be  used 
for  dry  heat,  and  if  moisture  is  desired,  place  a wet 
cloth  under  them.  No  well  regulated  family  should 
he  without  a “ hot  water  bottle” 

The  hot  fomentation  is  a valuable  remedial 
agent.  It  is  rare  to  find  acute  suffering,  where  it 
is  not  indicated.  It  alleviates  neuralgia  and  rheu- 
matic pain.  It  is  good  for  biliousness,  constipa- 
tion and  torpid  liver.  It  relieves  colic  and  flatu- 
lence. Thoroughly  applied  in  the  incipient  stages 
of  acute  enteritis,  gastrites,  cystitis,  etc.,  the  dis- 
ease may  be  arrested,  and  the  doctor  cheated  of  his 
visit. 

The  precautions  that  must  be  taken  in  using  hot 
fomentations,  especially  if  moist,  is  to  have  them 
hot  and  keep  them  hot  while  they  are  continued. 
When  removed,  replace  them  with  dry  flannel  or 
bathe  the  part  in  tepid  water,  rub  dry  and  put  on 
the  ordinary  clothing.  The  latter  is  desirable  when 
used  in  chronic  affections.  In  acute  attacks,  espe- 
cially of  inflammation,  it  is  well  to  follow  or  alter- 
nate with  a compress  from  cold  water.  Don’t  use 
paregoric,  dover’s  powders,  morphine  or  even  a 
homeopathic  preparation  until  you  have  tried 
thoroughly  the  hot  fomentation.  Remember  when 
you  can  get  relief  from  an  application  like  this,  you 


102 


COLD  COMPRESS. 


will  not  suffer  from  the  poisonous  effects  of  drugs. 
You  rally  quicker,  and  are  not  as  liable  to  another 
attack,  for  nature  has  had  a better  opportunity  to 
throw  off  diseased  conditions. 

The  cold  compress  is  a convenient,  safe,  desirable 
and  effectual  domestic  remedy.  Like  the  fomenta- 
tion, it  requires  knowledge  and  skill  in  its  applica- 
tion, or  else  more  harm  than  good  may  result. 
Take  a worn  linen  napkin  or  towel,  wring  dry  from 
cold  water,  apply  to  the  affected  part,  then  cover  well 
with  several  thicknesses  of  flannel,  securely  exclud- 
ing the  air.  Reaction  soon  follows,  warmth  ensues 
and  the  same  or  better  result  is  obtained  than  from 
a poultice.  It  can  remain  on  one,  two  or  three 
hours  or  else  all  night.  Should  always,  when  re- 
moved, be  followed  with  thorough  bathing  in  cold 
water  and  friction  from  a coarse  towel  and  the 
hand. 

It  will  not  do  to  apply  this  compress  wet  in 
warm  water.  In  that  case  it  grows  cold  and  keeps 
cold.  If  wet  in  cold  water,  the  colder  the  better, 
it  sends  the  blood  from  the  surface  and  the  reaction 
causes  it  to  get  warm  and  keep  warm.  To  make 
it  subserve  its  purpose  these  three  rules  must  be 
observed : 

1.  Wring  from  cold  water. 

2.  Wring  dry. 

3.  Cover  thoroughly  with  flannel. 

The  compress  should  never  be  continued  where 
warmth  and  reaction  cannot  be  obtained.  In  per- 
sons with  a cold  surface  and  a sluggish  circulation, 

it  is  well  to  precede  it  for  half  an  hour  with  a hot 


COLD  COMPRESS. 


1CKS 

fomentation.  The  compress  is  beneficial  both  for 
acute  and  chronic  inflammations.  In  sore  throats, 
croup,  bronchitis  and  inflammation  of  the  lungs  it  is 
invaluable.  Have  known  many  persons  to  use  no 
other  means  for  croup,  wringing  the  cloth  from  ice 
cold  water.  In  inflammations  of  the  abdominal  and 
pelvic  viscera  it  is  equally  good.  In  pregnancy,  it 
there  is  irritation  in  the  stomach,  congestion  of  the 
liver,  constipation  or  distress  of  the  bowels  accom- 
panied by  heat,  the  compress  in  these  regions  will 
be  beneficial. 

The  heat  and  dull  aching  pain  in  the  back,  that 
is  so  often  complained  of,  is  the  result  of  some  irri- 
tation in  the  uterus.  The  compress  worn  at  night, 
or  when  taking  the  daily  rest,  will  give  great  relief. 
The  frequency  and  length  of  time  continued  must 
depend  upon  the  case.  It  can  simply  be  put  across 
the  back,  or  extend  entirely  around  the  abdomen. 

The  foot  and  leg  baths  are  good  derivative  ap- 
pliances. Taken  warm  they  will  relieve  nervous- 
ness, sleeplessness  and  irritability. 

For  habitual  cold  feet  there  is  no  better  remedy 
than  bathing  the  feet  in  cold  water  just  before  re- 
tiring. Have  everything  ready  for  retiring.  In 
the  foot  tub  put  three  fourths  of  an  inch  of  cold 
water.  Hold  the  feet  in  that  less  than  half  a min- 
ute. Then  dry  with  coarse  towel  and  spat  them 
well.  The  reaction  gives  warm  feet  for  the  night, 
and  if  persisted  in  three  or  four  weeks,  habitual 
cold  feet  are  often  cured. 

The  Tureish  or  thermal  bath  affords  one  of 
the  best,  surest  and  safest  sanative  and  therapeutic 


104 


THE  TURKISH  BATH. 


agents  known  to  medical  science.  In  a well  ap- 
pointed establishment  for  this  bath,  the  subject 
enters  a room  heated  from  130  deg.  to  160  deg.  Fah- 
renheit;  remains  there  until  copious  perspiration 
is  induced.  He  is  then  taken  to  a room,  tempera- 
ture about  90  deg.  Lying  upon  a slab  or  table 
is  thoroughly  shampooed  with  soap  and  water. 

This  is  followed  by  a 6pray,  douche,  shower  or 
plunge  bath;  then  he  is  dried  and  thoroughly 
manipulated  by  an  attendant,  after  which  he  lies 
upon  a couch  from  half  to  one  hour  to  cool  and 
rest. 

This  bath  is  an  expensive  luxury,  and  not  within 
the  reach  of  rich  or  poor  in  any  but  our  larger 
towns  and  cities. 

A bath  having  equal  value  as  a hygienic  or  ther- 
apeutic agent,  with  a simple  and  inexpensive  appa- 
ratus can  be  taken  at  home.  This  I call  a “ Turkish 
or  thermal  bath  at  home.”  Any  woman  with  or- 
dinary common  or  nurse  sense  can  give  these  baths 
satisfactorily  by  observing  the  following  directions: 

Take  a chair  with  a wooden  seat,  an  armed  of- 
fice chair  preferable,  place  in  it  a piece  of  flannel 
blanket  so  folded  that  it  will  fall  down  in  front; 
under  the  chair  put  a coffee  cup  one  third  filled 
with  alcohol.  If  any  other  vessel  is  used  be  sure 
the  opening  is  no  larger  than  a cup,  as  this  gives 
sufficient  surface  for  the  combustion  of  the  neces- 
sary amount  of  alcohol;  have  a foot  tub  in  front  of 
the  chair  with  warm  water  for  the  feet. 

The  patient  is  seated  in  nature’s  raiments  only, 
or  as  Mark  Twain  6ays,  “ in  his  complexion,”  en- 


THERMAL  BATH  AT  HOME. 


105 


veloped  closely  in  woolen  blankets.  One  of  these 
is  put  over  him  in  front  and  the  other  at  his  back, 
outside  of  the  chair.  After  he  is  seated  and  cov- 
ered, light  the  alcohol  with  a taper.  Don’t  risk 
burning  yourself  by  using  a match.  The  subject 
will  begin  to  perspire  in  from  three  to  five  minutes. 
If  blood  rushes  to  his  head,  giving  a red  face  and 
feeling  of  fullness  in  the  brain,  put  a napkin  round 
the  neck,  wrung  from  tepid  water.  This  is  better 
than  wetting  the  head,  and  if  it  is  a lady,  it  has 
the  advantage  of  not  taking  the  “ crimp  ” out  of  her 
hair. 

If  he  is  faint  or  sick  at  the  stomach,  as  one  may 
be  with  the  first  bath,  or  if  very  bilious , let  him 
drink  copiously  of  hot  water  or  very  weak  ginger 
tea.  If  the  perspiration  is  slow  in  starting,  or  if 
the  heat  is  excessive  let  him  bathe  the  surface 
with  a sponge  dipped  in  cold  water.  Let  him  re- 
main fifteen  to  twenty  minutes  or  longer  if 
necessary,  to  induce  copious  perspiration.  He  can 
then  be  bathed  and  rubbed  sitting  in  the  chair. 
If  he  is  weak,  or  longer  perspiration  is  desired,  let 
him  lie  upon  bed  or  couch  enveloped  in  the  blankets, 
where  he  can  be  bathed  under  cover  if  necessary. 
Let  the  manipulation  be  thorough.  Squeeze,  press 
and  pinch  every  muscle  in  the  body  and  spat  the 
surface  with  the  ends  of  the  fingers,  having  the 
wrist  free.  Using  the  entire  arm  and  palm  of  the 
hand  makes  hard  work,  and  does  not  give  good  re- 
sults. If  the  attendant  is  magnetic  the  fingers 
cause  tingling,  like  hundreds  of  needles. 

Let  him  lie  for  an  hour  to  rest,  cool  and  sleep. 


106 


THERMAL  BATH  AT  HOMB. 


How  readily  and  easily  this  luxury  and  remedial 
agent  can  be  carried  into  every  home  ! The  ap- 
paratus required  is  6imply  a wooden  seated  chair, 
two  and  a fraction  woolen  blankets,  an  old  cup,  a 
foot  tub  and  five  cents  worth  of  alcohol. 

This  bath  should  not  be  taken  less  than  two 
hours  after  eating.  If  taken  sooner  it  is  nearly 
impossible  to  induce  perspiration,  besides  interferes 
with  digestion.  For  invalids,  the  preferable  time 
is  about  ten  or  eleven  in  the  forenoon.  The 
business  man  or  woman  can  take  it  upon  rising  in 
the  morning  or  just  before  retiring.  If  necessary, 
one  can  go  out  immediately  after  the  bath.  There 
is  no  danger  of  taking  cold  if  one  is  bathed  in  cold 
or  tepid  water,  and  has  thorough  massage. 

As  a sanative  measure  the  Thermal  bath  can  be 
taken  at  least  once  a week;  for  diseases,  the 
frequency  depends  greatly  upon  the  case  and  the 
individual. 

It  will  not  weaken  a person. 

Have  seen  invalids,  unable  to  sit  up,  gain 
strength  with  the  daily  use  of  this  bath.  In  the 
first  renovating  process  that  is  induced,  one  may 
have  a sense  of  weakness  or  faintness,  similar  to  the 
effects  of  medicine  that  rouses  up  the  vital  func- 
tions, but  the  cases  are  rare  that  this  does  not  pass 
off  in  a few  hours,  leaving  a corresponding  gain. 
The  Thermal  bath  is  valuable  because  : 

“ 1.  It  cleanses  and  promotes  the  healthy  action 
of  the  skin  as  no  other  bath  can  do,  thus  relieving 
the  other  excretory  organs. 

2.  It  equalizes  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  and 


USES  OF  THE  THERMAL  BATH. 


107 


removes  all  local  congestions  of  any  and  every  part, 
which  is  one  of  the  most  important  things  to  be 
accomplished  in  the  treatment  of  disease. 

3.  It  is  the  quickest,  easiest,  and  most  effectual 
means  of  purifying  the  blood  known  to  man.  It 
literally  washes  the  blood  of  its  impurities.  The 
patient  drinks  pure  water,  it  is  absorbed,  passes 
into  and  mingles  with  the  blood,  by  which  it  is 
carried  to  the  capillary  net- work  of  the  skin  and 
poured  upon  the  surface  in  the  form  of  perspira- 
tion; not  pure  as  when  it  was  taken  into  the 
stomach,  but  mingled  with  the  humors  and  im- 
purities of  the  blood.  If  this  were  its  only  use, 
the  Thermal  Bath  would  be  invaluable. 

4.  It  soothes  and  tranquilizes  the  nervous 
system,  sweeps  the  cobwebs  of  care  from  the  brain, 
leaving  it  clear  and  refreshed,  and  equalizes  the 
flow  of  the  nervous  fluids  throughout  the  body. 

For  the  above  reasons  the  Thermal  bath  is 
specially  useful  in  the  treatment  of  all  diseases 
arising  from  impurity  of  the  blood,  inactivity  of 
the  skin,  local  congestions,  or  inflammations,  or 
unbalanced  nervous  action,  as  Humors  of  every 
kind,  Drug  Poisoning,  Scrofula,  Consumption, 
Diseases  of  the  Skin,  Dropsy,  Eemittent  and  In- 
termittent Fevers,  Coughs,  Colds,  Catarrh,  Croup, 
Gout,  Rheumatism,  Neuralgia,  Diseases  of  the 
Liver  and  Kidneys,  Bronchitis,  Chronic  Diarrhoea, 
etc.” 

The  thermal  bath  will  break  up  a cold  in  its 
first  stages  and  at  any  time  will  give  certain  alle- 
viation. 


108  DISEA8E8  CURED  BY  THE  THERMAL  BATH. 

It  is  invaluable  for  ague.  Should  be  taken 
about  the  time  the  chill  is  anticipated,  and  given 
thoroughly.  The  cases  are  rare  that  will  resist  the 
third  or  fourth  bath,  using  no  other  means. 

In  chronic  rheumatism  it  has  no  equal  in  thera- 
peutics. For  this  can  be  taken  every  day.  Some 
have  taken  them  twice  a day  with  benefit.  Cases 
long  resisting  all  other  methods  of  treatment  have 
been  entirely  cured  by  the  Turkish  bath. 

Most  eruptive  diseases  are  helped  by  it.  A lady 
told  me  she  had  salt- rheum  all  over  her  body.  A 
ten-cent  piece  could  not  be  laid  on  a spot  free  from 
eruption.  She  took  these  baths  daily  for  three 
months,  without  any  other  remedy,  and  cured  her- 
self. She  gained  in  strength,  flesh  and  appetite, 
and,  besides,  found  herself  freed  from  many  minor 
ailments. 

The  Thermal  bath  is  valuable  in  pregnancy, 
when  there  is  dryness  of  the  skin,  coldness  of  the 
surface,  with  sensitiveness  to  cold,  difficulty  of 
breathing  and  general  torpor  or  stagnation  of  all 
the  functions.  If  the  pregnant  woman  has  any  of 
the  diseases  mentioned  above  she  will  find  this  bath 
just  as  efficacious  as  if  she  was  not  enciente.  She 
should  have  a good,  skillful  attendant,  and  take 
ample  time  to  rest  after  it.  Do  not  fear  disastrous 
results.  Ladies  have  taken  them  once  or  twice  a 
week  during  the  entire  pregnancy  with  benefit. 

The  following  testimonials  only  emphasize  what 
has  been  written: 

The  Queen  of  baths. — Dio  Lewis , M.  D.,  Bos- 
ton, Mass. 


DISEASES  CUBED  BY  THE  THEBMAT,  BATH.  109 

Turkish  baths  purify  and  invigorate. — D.  Wark, 
M.  D.,  Saratoga  Springs. 

Unsurpassed,  as  combining  luxury  and  utility. 
— R.  M.  Lackey , M.  D.,  Chicago , 1 ll. 

I recommend  the  baths  as  a healthy  exercise. — 
W.  E.  Anthony , M.  D.,  Providence , R.  I. 

The  Turks  have  always  considered  the  public 
baths  of  Constantinople  as  supplying  the  place  of  a 
certain  number  of  hospitals,  which  would  other- 
wise have  to  be  built. — Dr.  Haughton. 

Ladies,  note  this: 

The  use  of  the  Turkish  bath  renders  the  com- 
plexion more  delicate  and  brilliant — the  eye  be- 
comes clearer  and  brighter — the  whole  person  is 
rendered  fragrant,  and  all  personal  charms  are  en- 
hanced.— Dr.  Barter. 

After  a day  of  labor  and  care,  which  had  quite 
exhausted  me,  I have  just  taken  one  of  the  Turkish 
baths,  and  come  out  feeling  completely  rested  as 
when  I arose  from  my  bed  in  the  morning — in 
short,  as  good  as  new. — L.  H.  Thomas , M.  D ., 
Waterbury , Vt. 

The  only  sure  cure  for  a cold  is  the  Turkish  bath. 
It  opens  the  pores  and  starts  the  system  afresh  into 
working  order.  I cheerfully  recommend  it,  even 
to  persons  in  good  health,  as  the  best  means  to  keep 
the  healthiest  secretions. — Dr.  D.  F.  Clinton , 
New  York. 

The  Turkish  bath  is  a “ boon  to  humanity,”  an 
important  auxiliary  to  the  cure  of  disease,  and  one 
of  our  best  means  of  purifying  the  blood.  It  is 
firmly  believed  that  the  Turkish  bath  is  one  of  the 


110  DISEASES  CUBED  BY  THE  THBBWAL  BATH. 

most  potent  remedial  agents  known  to  the  profes- 
sion; and  that  therefore  it  should  be  introduced 
into  every  hospital,  city  and  village  in  the  land. — 
S.  E.  Chaille , M.  Z>.,  in  N.  0.  Medical  and  Sur- 
gical J ournal. 

It  would  be  well  if  all  the  human  race  could  have 
at  least  one  Turkish  bath  each  week.  It  would 
conduce  more  to  their  happiness  than  any  other 
one  thing.  Rely  upon  it,  it  is  the  ne  plus  ultra 
of  baths. — Dr.  J.  E.  Westervelt,  Richmond , Ind 


CHAPTER  IX. 


DIET  FOB  PKEGNANOY. 

Proper  food  in  pregnancy  is  not  more  necessary 
for  health  and  strength  of  the  mother,  than  to 
give  a normal  development  to  the  child.  If  the 
food  does  not  afford  suitable  nourishment  or  is  not 
properly  assimilated  pathological  conditions  inevit- 
ably result.  Besides  few  have  learned  that  the 
Tcind  of  nutriment  taken  has  much  to  do  with  the 
ease  or  severity  of  labor. 

The  food  of  the  pregnant  woman  should  consist 
of  articles  that  are  nutritious,  but  not  stimulating 
or  heating  to  the  blood. 

Should  be  eaten  at  regular  intervals  and  under 
favorable  conditions. 

An  important  matter  is  to  avoid  fluids  while  eat- 
ing. Liquid,  taken  into  the  stomach,  is  removed  by 
absorbents  before  the  gastric  fluid  can  be  secreted  to 
dissolve  the  food  and  convert  it  into  chyle.  A strong, 
healthy  stomach  may  perform  both  processes  easily. 
One  weakened  by  dyspepsia,  lacking  in  nerve  power 
or  by  the  reflex  action  in  pregnancy  may  not  be 
able  to  accomplish  this  double  duty;  consequently 
very  much  is  gained  by  taking  the  food  dry. 
Drink,  if  there  is  thirst,  half  an  hour  before  a meal 
and  not  within  three  hours  after.  Eat  less  salt  and 
there  will  be  less  thirst. 

(Ill) 


112 


AVOID  FATS  AND  SWKET8. 


Avoid  all  condiments  and  for  the  most  part  fait 
and  sweets. 

The  two  latter  are  pure  carbon,  therefore  cause 
and  increase  febrile  conditions.  Sufficient  car- 
bon can  be  obtained  in  the  farinaceous  food. 
Lean  meats,  the  very  best  of  beef,  mutton,  boiled, 
roasted  or  smothered,  cooked  quickly  and  rare,  and 
wild  game  may  be  eaten  by  some  without  injury. 
But  owing  to  their  stimulating  elements,  and  their 
effects  upon  the  formation  of  character,  parents 
desiring  to  give  the  world  the  best  reproduction  of 
themselves  will  avoid  the  use  of  animal  food. 

A woman  has  for  her  diet  a choice  from  all  the 
grains,  all  the  vegetables  and  all  the  fruits.  When 
a working  animal  thrives  and  retains  its  strength 
upon  two  articles  only,  viz.,  corn  and  straw  or  oats 
and  hay,  can  not  the  human  make  a bill  of  fare  of 
sufficient  variety  to  please  the  most  fastidious,  out 
of  all  the  grains,  fruits  and  vegetables?  Ordinarily 
if  food  was  chosen  to  supply  the  needs  of  wasted 
tissues  rather  than  to  pander  to  perverted  and 
capricious  appetites,  there  would  be  less  necessity 
of  a special  diet  for  pregnancy. 

Physiologists  have  within  a few  years  advanced 
the  theory  that  if  a pregnant  woman  subsists  upon 
food  devoid  of  the  elements  that  nourish  and  de- 
velop the  osseous  tissue,  thus  rendering  the  cranial 
structure  pliable,  the  labor  will  1 2 comparatively 
easy  and  painless.  The  first  that  was  known  of  this 
theory  was  from  a small  pamphlet  published  in 
England  in  1841.  It  was  written  by  a Mr.  Row- 
botham,  a practical  chemist  of  London.  Ilis  wife 


FBCTT  DIET  FOB  PBEGNANOT. 


113 


had  been  so  great  a snfferer  in  two  confinements  that 
he  had  reason  to  fear  she  would  not  survive  the 
third.  The  work  gives  an  account  of  the  experiment 
which  met  with  such  favorable  results,  he  felt  it 
his  duty  to  publish  it  for  the  benefit  of  others.  His 
theory  was  that,  “ in  proportion  as  a woman  sub- 
sists during  pregnancy  upon  aliment  that  is  free 
from  earthy  and  bony  matter,  will  she  avoid  pain 
and  danger  in  delivery;  hence  the  more  ripe  fruit, 
acid  fruit  in  particular,  and  the  less  of  other  kinds 
of  food,  but  particularly  of  bread  or  pastry  of  any 
kind,  is  consumed,  the  less  will  be  the  danger  and 
suffering  in  childbirth.” 

“ The  subject  of  this  experiment  had,  within  three 
years,  given  birth  to  two  children;  and  not  only 
suffered  extremely  in  the  parturition,  but  for  two 
or  three  months  previous  to  delivery  her  general 
health  was  very  indifferent,  her  lower  extremities 
exceedingly  swelled  and  painful;  the  veins  so  full 
and  prominent  as  to  be  almost  bursting;  in  fact  to 
prevent  such  a catastrophe,  bandages  had  to  be  ap- 
plied; and  for  the  last  few  weeks  of  gestation,  her 
size  and  weight  were  such  as  to  prevent  her  attend- 
ing to  her  usual  duties.  She  had  on  this  occasion, 
two  years  and  a half  after  her  last  delivery,  ad- 
vanced full  seven  months  in  pregnancy  before  she 
commenced  the  experiment  at  her  husband’s  ear- 
nest instance;  her  legs  and  feet  were,  as  before,  con- 
siderably swelled;  the  veins  distended  and  knotty, 
and  her  health  diminishing. 

“ She  began  the  experiment  in  the  first  week  of 
January,  1841.  She  commenced  by  eating  an  ap- 


114 


MBS.  KOWBOTHAM  8 EXPEBIEMOB. 


pie  and  an  orange  the  first  thing  in  the  morning, 
and  aorain  at  night.  This  was  continued  for  about 
four  days,  when  she  took  just  before  breakfast,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  apple  and  orange,  the  juice  of  a lemon 
mixed  with  sugar,  and  at  breakfast  two  or  three 
roasted  apples,  taking  a very  small  quantity  of  her 
usual  food,  viz.:  Wkeaten  bread  and  butter.  Dur- 
ing the  forenoon  she  took  an  orange  or  two,  and  an 
apple.  For  dinner  took  fish  or  flesh  in  a small 
quantity,  and  potatoes,  greens  and  apples,  the  ap- 
ples sometimes  peeled  and  cut  into  pieces;  some- 
times boiled  whole  with  the  potatoes;  sometimes 
roasted  before  the  fire,  and  afterward  mixed  with 
sugar.  In  the  afternoon  she  sucked  an  orange  or 
ate  an  apple  or  some  grapes,  and  always  took  some 
lemon-juice  mixed  with  sugar  or  treacle.  At  first  the 
fruits  acted  strongly  on  the  stomach  and  intestines 
but  this  soon  ceased,  and  she  could  take  several 
lemons  without  inconvenience.  For  supper  6he 
had  again  roasted  apples  or  a few  oranges,  and 
rice  or  sago  boiled  in  milk;  sometimes  the  apples 
peeled  and  cored,  were  boiled  along  with  the  rice 
or  sago.  On  several  occasions  she  took  for  supper 
apples  and  raisins,  or  figs  with  an  orange  cut 
among  them,  and  sometimes  all  stewed  together. 
Two  or  three  times  a week  she  took  a teaspoonful 
of  a mixture  made  of  the  juice  of  two  oranges, 
one  lemon,  half  a pound  of  grapes,  and  a 
quarter  of  a pound  of  sugar  or  treacle.  The 
sugar  or  treacle  served  mainly  to  cover  the 
taste  of  the  acids,  but  all  saccharine  matter 
is  very  nutritious.  The  object  in  giving  the 


MBS.  BOWBOTHAM’s  EXPERIENCE.  115 

acids  was  to  dissolve  as  much  as  possible 
the  earthy  or  bony  matter  which  she  had  tak- 
en with  her  food  in  the  first  seven  months  of  her 
pregnancy.  She  continued  in  this  course  for  six 
weeks,  when  to  her  surprise  and  satisfaction,  the 
swelled  and  prominent  state  of  the  veins , which 
existed  before  she  began,  had  entirely  subsided,’ 
her  legs  and  feet  which  were  also  swelled  consid- 
erably, had  returned  to  their  former  state;  and  6he 
became  so  light  and  active  she  could  run  up  and 
down  a flight  of  more  than  twenty  stairs,  with 
more  ease  than  usual  when  she  was  perfectly  welL 
Her  health  became  unwontedly  excellent,  and 
scarcely  an  ache  or  a pain  affected  her  up  to  the 
night  of  her  delivery.  Even  her  breasts,  which,  at 
the  time  she  commenced  the  experiment,  as  well 
as  during  her  former  pregnancies,  were  sore  and 
tender,  became  entirely  free  from  pain,  and  re- 
mained in  the  very  best  condition  after  her  deliv- 
ery also,  and  during  her  nursing.” 

It  is  evident  Mr.  Rowbotham  obtained  more 
than  he  anticipated  for  his  wife.  He  had  only  ex- 
pected to  arrest  or  decrease  the  development  of 
bone,  but  by  eating  so  largely  of  acid  fruits,  the  in- 
flammatory or  “bilious”  condition  was  overcome. 
The  oxygen  of  the  acids  united  with  the  excess  of 
carbon  previously  taken  thus  relieved  the  patho- 
logical jymptoms  under  which  she  was  suffering. 
It  is  doubtful  whether  the  final  favorable  result 
would  have  been  attained  had  this  not  been  the 
ease,  as  prolonged  suffering  often  accompanies  a 

premature  labor  when  there  is  little  osseous  de- 
8 


116  MBS.  bowbotham’s  eipebiekob. 

velopment.  The  fact  that  Mrs.  R.  was  in  such  an 
improved  state  of  health  adds  to  the  interest  and 
importance  of  the  experiment. 

He  continues:  “ At  nine  o’clock,  after  having 

cleaned  her  apartments,  she  was  in  the  adjoin- 
ing yard  shaking  her  own  carpets,  which  she  did 
with  as  much  ease  as  any  one  else  could  have  done. 
At  half-past  ten  she  said  she  believed  her  ‘ time 
was  come,’  and  the  accoucheur  was  sent  for.  At 
one  o’clock  the  child  was  born  and  the  surgeon  had 
left  the  room.  He  knew  nothing  of  the  experi- 
ment being  made,  but  on  being  asked  on  paper 
by  the  husband  two  days  afterward  if  he ‘could  pro- 
nounce it  as  safe  and  as  easy  a delivery  as  he  general- 
ly met  with,’  he  replied  on  paper:  ‘ I hereby  testify 
that  I attended  Mrs.  Rowbotham  on  the  3d  inst.,  and 
that  she  had  a safe  labor  and  more  easy  than  I gen- 
erally meet  with.’  On  his  asking  the  midwife  if 
she  thought  it  as  easy  as  usual,  she  replied:  ‘ Why, 
I should  say  that  a more  easy  labor  I never  wit- 
nessed— I never  saw  such  a thing  and  I have  been 
at  a great  many  labors  in  my  time!  ’ ” 

The  child,  a boy,  was  finely  proportioned  and 
exceedingly  soft,  his  bones  resembling  gristle.  He 
became  of  large  size  and  very  graceful,  athletic  and 
strong  as  he  grew  up.  The  diet  of  his  mother  was 
immediately  changed  and  she  ate  bread  and  milk 
and  all  articles  of  food  in  which  phosphate  of  lime 
is  to  be  found  and  which  had  been  left  out  before. 
She  also  got  up  from  her  confinement  immediately 
and  well.  After  her  last  delivery,  July,  1838,  full 
ten  days  elapsed  before  she  could  leave  her  bed, 


BAPID  CONVALESCENCE. 


117 


and  then  swooned  at  the  first  attempt;  on  this 
occasion,  March,  1811,  she  left  her  bed  the  fourth 
day  and  not  only  washed,  but  partly  dressed  her- 
self. Had  she  not  been  influenced  by  custom  and 
somewhat  timid,  she  might  have  done  so  sooner. 
To  be  assisted  appeared  like  a burlesque  to  her,  not 
to  say  annoyance.  She  had  no  assistance  from 
medicine. 

In  the  former  pregnancies,  she  had  subsisted 
very  much  on  bread,  puddings,  pies  and  all  kinds 
of  pastry,  having  an  idea  that  solid  food  of  this 
kind  was  necessary  to  support  the  fetus.  Nutri- 
tious food  can  be  had  without  that  hard  and  bony 
element,  which  is  so  large  an  ingredient  of  wheaten 
flour.  Sago,  tapioca,  rice,  etc.,  have  little  of  it.” 

This  is  a remarkable  case,  indeed  in  some  respects 
seems  almost  incredible.  The  theory  expounded 
certainly  deserves  consideration.  If  there  is  any 
reasonable  method'  by  which  the  throes  of  parturi- 
tion can  be  mitigated,  women  want  to  and  ought  to 
know  it. 

I have  tested  this  theory  thoroughly,  and  know 
many  lady  physicians  who  have  instructed  their 
patients  accordingly.  The  last  four  years,  1 have 
been  teaching  it  to  women  in  my  conversations , and 
have  many  testimonials  of  good  results.  One  com- 
mencing at  the  first  of  pregnancy  need  not  eat  so 
plentifully  of  the  fruit  as  did  Mrs.  R.  Use  it  freely, 
at  regular  meals. 

A woman,  who  all  her  life  has  violated  natural 
laws,  and  consequently  has  been  an  invalid,  is  dis- 
eased by  deleterious  diet,  is  deformed  by  unnatural 


118 


INTERESTING  TESTIMONY. 


modes  of  dress,  can  not  expect  to  have  a perfectly 
painless  labor.  Even  such  can,  however,  do  much 
to  mitigate  her  suffering  by  fidelity  to  these 
teachings.  Like  Mrs.  R.,  comfort,  health,  strength 
and  vivacity  can  be  obtained  during  pregnancy,  and 
the  agony  of  parturition,  that  usually  continues 
from  twenty-four  to  forty-eight  hours  can  be  re- 
duced, both  in  duration  and  violence.  The  conse- 
quence will  be  a speedy  restoration  of  the  organs  to 
a normal  condition. 

One  case  does  not  prove  a theory  correct,  hence 
the  reader’s  attention  is  called  to  the  following  not- 
able experiences: 

A Mrs.  W.,  the  wife  of  a prominent  Judge,  in  the 
northern  part  of  Michigan,  is  a woman  of  fine 
physique,  and  apparently  robust  health.  She  is  the 
mother  of  four  children.  With  the  first  three,  she 
suffered  prolonged  and  agonizing  labor,  lasting  in 
the  expulsive  stage  from  thirty  to  fifty  hours.  Be- 
coming pregnant  again,  her  heart  was  filled  with 
terror  lest  she  should  not  survive  the  ordeal.  She 
was  four  months  advanced  in  pregnancy,  when  she 
became  acquainted  with  the  “ Fruit  diet  ” theory, 
and  lived  accordingly,  subsisting  almost  entirely 
upon  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Her  health  became  unusually  good.  The  pains, 
aches  and  discomforts  she  had  experienced  in  the 
last  months  in  previous  pregnancies  were  entirely 
wanting.  The  time  of  delivery  had  arrived.  At 
five  o’clock  in  the  morning,  6he  was  suddenly 
awakened  with  a severe  cramp  in  her  limbs.  She 
arose  and  walked  the  floor  without  relief.  Return- 


INTERESTING  TESTIMONY. 


119 


ing  to  the  bed,  she  obtained  ease  by  applications  of 
warmth  and  friction. 

She  fell  into  a quiet  sleep,  which  lasted  perhaps 
half  an  hour.  From  this  she  was  awakened  by  a 
labor  pain.  The  doctor  was  hastily  summoned,  and 
although  he  lived  across  the  street  and  came  at 
once,  the  child  was  born  before  his  arrival.  This 
occurred  before  seven  o’clock,  less  than  two  hours 
from  the  time  she  was  awakened  with  the  cramps. 
She  avers  the  effort  that  expelled  the  child  could 
not  be  called  a pain,  only  a sense  of  discomfort,  or 
of  continued  pressure. 

Her  child  is  now  three  years  old,  is  unusually 
healthy  and  robust.  The  bone3  were  pliable  at 
birth,  but  soon  solidified.  When  it  is  known  that 
many  of  the  bones  of  the  human  body  under  any 
circumstances  are  not  fully  ossified  until  about  the 
20tli  year,  it  need  be  no  source  of  uneasiness  that 
the  osseous  structure  is  more  than  usually  pliable 
at  birth. 

Mrs. with  her  first  child  had  the  usual 

three  months  of  “ morning  sickness”  which,  in  her 
case,  continued  the  entire  day.  Besides  many  other 
discomforts  she  suffered  fearfully  from  bloating  and 
lameness,  so  much  so  that  she  was  unable  to  leave 
the  house  during  the  last  weeks  of  gestation.  She 
only  bathed  in  warm  water  frequently  enough  to 
answer  the  demands  of  cleanliness.  Her  labor  was 
both  severe  and  prolonged.  She  had  convulsions 
and  after  forty-eight  hours  of  agony  the  child  was 
removed  with  instruments.  Her  confinement  was 
followed  with  broken  breasts,  metritis  and  cellulitis, 


120 


INTERESTING  TESTIMONIALS. 


and  she  was  unable  to  sit  up  a moment  until  the 
child  was  five  weeks  old.  With  her  second  child 
she  bathed  freely  in  cold  water  and  lived  upon  the 
“ fruit  diet.”  She  had  no  morning  sickness,  no 
heartburn,  no  neuralgia,  and  scarcely  any  bloating 
or  lameness.  It  may  be  said  that  the  child  was 
born  without  any  labor  as  she  had  no  sensation  of 
pain.  She  had  slept  unusually  well,  awakened 
about  three  o’clock  with  the  “ breaking  of  the 
waters,”  called  her  husband,  who  sprang  from  the 
bed,  but  could  not  get  dressed  to  call  her  mother 
who  was  upstairs,  before  the  lusty  cry  of  the  little 
stranger  pressed  him  into  the  work  of  an  amateur 
accoucheur.  She  used  cold  water  freely  after  her 
confinement,  and  had  no  gathered  breasts,  no  inflam- 
mation, or  trouble  of  any  kind.  Felt  able  to  get 
about  the  house  the  following  day;  seemed  a bur- 
lesque to  lie  in  bed.  She  speaks  of  it  joyfully  as 
one  of  the  greatest  triumphs  of  her  life  and  preaches 
the  doctrine  to  all  she  meets.  She  could  not  be 
convinced  that  there  is  any  need  of  childbirth  be- 
ing accompanied  by  pain. 

I have  yet  to  recount  the  most  extraordinary  ex- 
perience that  has  come  under  my  notice,  and  a 
pretty  positive  proof  of  the  efficacy  of  the  “ fruit 
diet.” 

Mrs.  L.  T.  Colburn,  living  in  Eureka,  Kansas,  is 
a woman,  short,  fleshy  and  what  is  called  solid  built. 
She  has  five  children;  with  the  first  four,  her  labors 
were  severe  and  prolonged.  Some  of  them  only 
terminated  with  instrumental  interference.  Relays 
of  neighboring  women  were  worn  out  in  rendering 


EXTRAORDINARY  EXPERIENCE. 


121 


her  the  customary  aid,  and  some  of  her  male  rel- 
atives had  to  be  pressed  into  service.  During  her 
last  pregnancy,  accidentally,  she  lived  upon  fruit 
and  rice,  and  her  experience  was  unlike  the  former 
deliveries  as  night  is  unlike  day.  Her  husband 
kept  a grocery  and  provision  store,  and  the  family 
lived  over  the  store;  Mrs.  C.  was  in  the  grocery 
frequently.  She  had  a craving  for  lemons  and  or- 
anges, and  ate  of  them  very  freely,  often  consum- 
ing half  a dozen  of  either  at  one  time.  Her  greed- 
iness for  these  fruits  became  the  by- word  of  friends 
and  neighbors.  Previous  to  this  time  her  eldest 
son,  showing  symptoms  of  irritation  of  the  brain, 
by  direction  of  the  physician  had  subsisted  upon 
rice  instead  of  the  products  of  the  wheat.  From 
this  the  entire  family  came  to  living  almost  total- 
ly upon  rice.  As  usual,  she  made  very  elaborate 
preparations  for  her  confinement;  her  physician, 
nurse  and  friends  were  engaged.  At  the  end  of 
nine  months  she  was  awakened  with  the  “ breaking 
of  the  waters.”  She  aroused  her  husband.  He 
thought  he  had  better  go  for  the  doctor.  “ Why, 
there  is  no  use,”  she  says,  “ I have  not  a particle 
of  pain.”  However,  he  feared  there  was  some- 
thing wrong,  and  having  a horror  of  a dilemma, 
after  calling  her  sister,  went  with  all  possible  haste 
for  medical  aid. 

The  sister,  too,  was  alarmed,  and  went  to  the 
next  door  to  call  a neighbor.  Before  either  re- 
tut-nsA  while  entirely  alone,  the  child  w’aa  bom, 
■anthout  the  sensation  of  pain. 

Mrs.  C.  had  talked  her  experience  over  many 


122  EXTEAOBDINARY  EXPERIENCE. 

times  with  her  husband  and  friends,  and  was  never 
able  to  account  for  the  very  marked  difference  in 
her  confinements  until  at  my  conversations  she 
heard  me  expound  the  “ fruit  diet  ” theory.  With 
tears  streaming  from  her  eyes  she  recounted  her 
story;  6he  said:  “ I am  so  glad  to  know  this  is  not 
the  result  of  chance — that  it  is  truth  and  philoso- 
phy by  which  all  may  profit.” 

Mrs.  C.  is  a true  woman;  she  told  me  she  was 
willing  her  name  and  experience  should  be  used 
for  the  benefit  of  others,  and,  at  my  solicitation, 
handed  me  the  following  testimony: 

“ This  is  to  certify  that  I know  what  Dr.  Stock- 
halm  teaches  in  regard  to  “Fruit  Diet”  is  true. 
When  pregnant  with  my  last  child,  accidentally  I 
lived  upon  rice  and  fruit,  and  my  child  was  born 
comparatively  without  pain  or  sensible  effort;  could 
not  get  a physician  in  time,  nor  did  I need  one. 
In  four  previous  deliveries  I had  physicians  with 
me  over  twenty-four  hours,  and  had  prolonged  and 
severe  labors. 

I can  account  for  the  difference  only  in  the  fruit 
and  rice  diet. 

L.  T.  Colburn, 
Eureka,  Kansas. 


May  2,  1882. 


BELL  OF  FARE. 


123 


Food  and  drink  should  be  chosen  that  lack  in 
bone-forming  materials.  The  carbonaceous  elements 
of  the  grains  are  not  objectionable,  while  to  pre- 
vent inflammation  the  free  use  of  fats  and  sweets 
should  be  avoided.  Of  the  grains;  beans,  barley, 
rye  and  oats,  in  order,  contain  the  largest  amount 
of  mineral  product;  wheat  not  quite  so  much;  corn 
almost  none.  Lean  meat,  chicken,  oysters,  clams, 
lobster, crab,  etc.,  abound  in  the  mineral  salts.  All 
garden  vegetables,  save  beans,  are  desirable.  Eggs, 
wheat  and  milk  can  be  used  moderately. 

The  most  important  point  to  observe  is  to  feast 
on  fruits  freely . The  oxygen  of  acid  fruits  unites 
with  the  carbon,  hence  besides  dissolving  the  phos- 
phates, prevents  inflammation. 

That  the  fruit  diet  prevents  the  diseases  of 
pregnancy  and  the  sufferings  of  parturition,  is  a 
boon  to  every  woman , and  any  person  knowing 
this  ought  to  preach  it  until  every  woman  accepts 
and  practices  it. 

The  Bill  of  Fare  below  suggests  dishes  desira- 
ble in  pregnancy,  remembering  to  add  fruit.  Next 
to  lemons  and  oranges,  apples,  peaches  and  plums 
should  be  chosen.  For  supper  it  is  better  to  take 
simply  rice  or  corn  gruel, or  if  in  summer  a dish  of 
ice  cream. 

BREAKFAST  FOR  EACH  DAY  OF  THE  WEEK. 

1.  Corn  mush,  rice  cakes,  potato  balls. 

2.  Boiled  rice,  cracker  omelet,  baked  potatoes. 

3.  Rice  omelet,  corn  cakes,  rhubarb  on  toast. 

4.  Cracked  wheat,  rice  muffins,  tomato  toast. 


124 


ANALYSIS  OF  FOOD. 


5.  Boiled  rice,  cream  eodfisli,  potatoes,  corn  cakes. 

6.  Sago  and  cream,  potatoes,  breakfast  patties. 

7.  Rice  gruel,  corn  muffins,  gooseberry  toast. 

DINNER  FOR  EACH  DAY  OF  THE  WEEK. 

1.  Tomato  soup,  green  corn,  boiled  rice,  apple 
tapioca  pudding. 

2.  Potato  soup,  turnips,  corn  bread,  rice  pudding. 

3.  Boiled  eggs,  asparagus  on  toast,  boiled  rice, 
rhubarb  pie  or  cracked  wheat  pudding. 

4.  Green  peas,  potatoes  in  cream,  spinach,  boil- 
ed rice,  strawberry  dessert  or  fruit  blanc-mange. 

5.  Macaroni,  mashed  potatoes,  celery,  rice  snow. 

6.  Asparagus,  greens,  boiled  rice,  fruit  shortcake. 

7.  Eggs  poached  in  milk,  Boston  brown  bread, 
farina  blanc-mange  or  plum  pudding. 

To  assist  one  in  making  a proper  selection  in  diet 
we  present  the  following: 


ANALYSIS  OF  FOOD. 


ARTICLES. 

Nitro- 

genous. 

Carbo- 

naceous. 

Mineral 

Salts. 

Waste. 

Water. 

Wheat*. 

18 

77 

2 

3 

Rye* 

13 

81 

3 

3 

Barley* 

13 

79 

3 

5 

Oats* 

14 

75 

3 

8 

Maize* 

12 

80 

1 

7 

Buckwheat 

13 

67 

2 

4 

14 

Rice 

5 

82 

0 

4 

9 

Beans 

30 

57 

4 

1 

8 

Lean  Meat 

19 

4 

5 

72 

Potatoes 

2 

24 

1 

73 

White  Fish 

18 

3 

1 

78 

E§gs 

16 

30 

2 

52 

Milk.... 

4 

9 

1 

86 

Sugar  } 

100 

Butter  f 

* A dry  state.  In  an  ordinary  state  grains  contain  11  to  18 
per  cent,  water. 


CHAPTER  X. 


EXERCISE  IN  PREGNANCY. 

All  animal  life  is  full  of  activity.  Motion  is  a 
law  of  nature.  To  remain  quietly  in  closely  heat- 
ed rooms  is  sure  to  cause  disease  in  the  pregnant 
women.  Without  exercise  food  can  not  be  assimi- 
lated, the  processes  of  depurition  are  imperfect, 
the  muscles  lose  tone  and  power,  and  the  nervous 
system  becomes  prostrated.  On  the  other  hand 
excessive  labor  often  proves  injurious.  Some 
muscles  are  over-taxed  and  local  strains  produced. 
It  is  difficult  to  give  directions  for  all  cases.  Ex- 
ercise should  not  be  carried  to  actual  fatigue.  A 
slight  weariness  that  makes  the  led  feel  good , can 
do  no  harm. 

General  house- work  is  desirable,  avoiding  the 
more  laborious  portions,  like  washing,  scrubbing 
and  heavy  lifting.  In  house-work  one  brings  into 
action  nearly  all  the  muscles  of  the  body  with  the 
exception  of  some  of  the  trunk  and  those  used  in 
deep  respiration.  Even  these  would  not  lack  de- 
velopment, if  clothing  caused  no  restrictions.  In 
the  home  work  a woman  reaches,  stoops,  turns, 
twists,  walks,  lifts  and  climbs  stairs. 

Usually  housekeeping  interests  the  woman  dur- 
ing pregnancy  if  at  no  other  time.  She  is  nest 
building  and  the  home  work  is  a labor  of  love. 

(195) 


128 


WOMEN  WALK  TOO  LITTLE. 


She  rests  in  the  quiet  of  a cozy,  retired  home. 
How  easy  to  perform  the  duties  that  the  heart 
sanctions  and  impels! 

If  a woman  has  no  functional  derangement,  ' 
walking  and  carriage  riding  are  invaluable.  She 
can  not  be  too  much  in  the  out-door  air.  Properly 
clothed,  brisk  walking  brings  into  action  nearly 
every  muscle  and  is  invigorating  to  every  function. 
American  women,  as  a rule,  walk  too  little.  Wearing 
common  sense  shoes,  the  arms  free,  the  dress  short 
and  loose,  one  can  accustom  herself  to  walking 
long  distances  with  positive  benefit. 

Light  gardening  can  not  be  too  highly  recom- 
mended. It  has  the  advantage  of  being  out  doors. 

It  gives  postures  that  bring  into  action  the  unused 
muscles  of  the  trunk  and  abdomen. 

Coming  in  contact  with  the  earth  carries  off 
any  excess  of  electricity.  Besides,  the  results, 
either  in  a supply  of  fresh  vegetables  for  the  table 
or  in  floral  decorations  are  always  satisfactory.  My 
own  experience  proves  that  getting  out  and  work- 
ing in  the  ground  is  a cure-all  for  ennui , indiges- 
tion, torpid  liver,  anxiety,  despondency;  indeed,  any 
slight  physical  derangement  or  mental  disturbance. 

Possessing  no  garden,  lying  flat  upon  the  ground 
without  blanket  or  pillow  answers  a good  purpose. 
More  rest  can  be  obtained  in  five  minutes  than  in 
five  hours  upon  lounge  or  bed  in  the  house.  Al- 
though this  is  contrary  to  all  tradition  and  teach- 
ing many  have  proved  its  value. 

What  is  the  object  to  be  gained  by  exercise  in 
pregnancy! 


EDUCATION  OF  RESPIRATORY  MUSCLE.  127 

Evidently,  absorption,  nutrition  and  excretion. 
All  the  functions  must  be  kept  to  a normal  stand- 
ard that  the  processes  of  assimilation  and  waste  can 
be  perfectly  performed. 

The  involuntary  muscles  of  respiration  must  be 
educated.  The  muscles  required  in  parturition 
must  be  developed  and  strengthened.  These  are 
some  of  the  muscles  of  the  trunk,  abdomen,  pelvis, 
perineum  and  groin. 

Full  and  deep  breathing  is  not  only  necessary 
to  perfectly  oxygenate  the  blood  and  by  the  at- 
tendant motion  to  promote  digestion,  but  it  makes 
room  for  the  fetus  as  well.  It  expands  the  walls 
of  the  abdomen  and  the  ribs,  and  strengthens  the 
sustaining  power  of  the  uterus. 

Is  it  not  possible,  too,  that  it  gives  a necessary 
exercise  to  the  fetus,  a constant  gentle  motion  pro- 
moting the  functions  necessary  to  its  development! 

Breathing  for  the  most  part  is  an  involuntary 
action,  in  children  and  animals  is  performed  natur- 
rally  from  the  abdomen  or  flank. 

“ Look  upon  that  quietly  sleeping  eat  upon  the 
rug.  Its  sole  indication  of  vitality  is  the  bellows- 
like motion  of  its  body  in  breathing.  You  must 
also  have  observed,  that  in  all  domestic  animals,  at 
each  respiration,  an  undulating  motion  extends 
quite  through  the  whole  trunk,  and  that  this  mo- 
tion terminates  only  at  the  hindermost  limbs.  This 
is  natural  respiration  as  it  is  performed  through- 
out quadruped  existence. 

“ Have  you  a perfectly  healthy  lady  friend ! Lay 
your  hand  upon  her  and  you  will  find  that  the 


128 


BREATHING  IS  LIFE  AND  HEALTH. 


abdomen  rises  and  falls  in  exactly  tbe  same  way  at 
every  respiratory  act;  not  only  so,  but  this  act  is 
involuntarily  performed  in  a more  profound  man- 
ner every  few  moments,  and  that  this  increased 
motion  operates  particularly  upon  the  lowest  por- 
tion of  the  trunk. 

“ Observe  in  the  same  way  your  own  person.  If 
you  are  an  invalid  you  will  find  this  motion  dimin- 
ished, perhaps  suppressed.  When  half  performed 
you  only  half  live.” 

That  adults,  and  especially  women,  have  not  this 
deep  waist  breathing  is  on  account  of  disuse  of  the 
muscles.  The  young  man  who  is  stoop-shouldered, 
walks  the  streets  with  his  hands  in  his  pockets  or  sits 
bent  over  his  desk,  soon  diminishes  the  action  of 
these  muscles.  The  girl,  although  her  pride  keeps 
her  head  and  shoulders  erect,  compresses  and  fixes 
the  lower  muscles  of  respiration  and  breathes  only 
with  the  top  of  the  lungs.  When  either  man  or 
woman  has  lost  the  ability  to  breathe  deeply  a long 
road  must  be  traveled  to  educate  these  muscles 
back  to  natural  use.  I met  a man  in  Colorado  who 
had  broncorrhoea  and  occasional  lung  hemorrhage. 
Although  he  could  walk  six  or  seven  miles  he 
could  not  breathe  below  the  eighth  rib.  I said:  “ I 
did  not  know  a man  could  live  and  breathe  no 
deeper.  By  all  your  hopes  of  life,  you  must  learn 
to  breathe.  To  be  sure  you  can  walk,  but  the  mus- 
cles of  your  legs  don’t  help  your  respiration.  Take 
exercises  that  develop  the  diaphragm  and  abdom- 
inal muscles.  Breathe  down,  down , and  relieve 
the  congestion  of  the  upper  lungs.”  He  says:  “ I 


WAIST  BREATHING. 


129 


have  consnlted  many  physicians  the  last  six  years 
and  why  have  none  told  me  this  before?”  He 
wrote  me  several  months  afterward  that  simply  by 
developing  the  lower  muscles  of  respiration,  he  had 
saved  funeral  expenses. 

The  gymnast  and  vocalist  take  pains  to  teach  deep 
breathing,  which  is  simply  restoring  natural  proc- 
esses. The  cow  will  low  all  day  for  her  lost  offspring 
without  fatigue  or  hoarseness,  because  she  does  it 
with  expiration  and  breathes  from  her  waist  or 
flanks.  The  boy  who  roams  the  woods,  gathers 
nuts  and  hunts  squirrels  and  keeps  his  hands  out 
of  his  pockets  can  hallo  hours  without  weariness. 
He  breathes  naturally  and  uses  his  voice  naturally. 
He  only  does  what  the  singer  and  orator  are  taught 
to  do  in  after  years,  because  through  disuse  this  has 
become  a lost  art  to  them.  The  blacksmith  or  stone- 
cutter desiring  to  strike  a heavy  blow,  does  it  with 
expiration,  and  the  breath  is  driven  from  the  lungs 
with  an  xogh!  that  is  almost  a groan.  Ho  matter 
what  knotted  muscles  he  may  have  upon  his  arm, 
if  the  great  converging  muscle  below  the  lungs  is 
not  equally  strong  and  powerful,  he  can  not  strike 
an  effective  blow.  It  is  said  out  of  three  hundred 
candidates  for  the  Havy  school  recently,  two  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  were  rejected  simply  because 
of  contracted  chests  and  inefficienbreathing.  Man- 
hood, womanhood,  endurance  and  longevity  depend 
upon  lung  power,  and  this  is  within  the  reach  of  all. 

Educate  the  muscles  of  respiration  . “ To  learn 
deep  breathing  be  as  passive  as  possible;  that  is, 
assume  a position  in  which  all  the  voluntary  motor 


130 


INSTKOCTIONS  FOE  BEEATHLNO. 


muscles  are  inactive.  Lie  flat  on  the  back,  perfectly 
horizontal,  without  even  an  elevation  of  the  head. 
Shut  the  mouth  and  draw  the  air  in  through  the 
channel  provided  by  nature — the  nose.  As  a re- 
sult of  bad  habits,  most  persons  will  raise  the  upper 
ribs,  yet  this  expansion  will  soon  yield  to  a move- 
ment of  the  lower  ribs,  and  this  again  will  gradually 
cease  by  continued  practice,  as  will  also  every  dis- 
tension of  the  ribs.  All  these  faulty  movements 
will  be  superseded  by  a bulging  out  of  the  abdomen, 
whose  outward  swelling  will  be  proportioned  to  the 
amount  of  air  inhaled.”  Exhale  also  through  the 
nose,  letting  the  breath  out  slowly.  Alternate 
costal  and  abdominal  breathing.  That  is,  with  one 
inspiration  swell  out  the  sides;  burst  the  belt ; this 
retracts  the  abdomen;  with  the  next,  bulge  out  the 
abdomen,  which  is  done  by  pressing  the  diaphragm 
down. 

In  pregnancy,  if  a woman  is  very  delicate,  unable 
to  take  voluntary  exercise,  let  her  have  massage , 
which  is  a thorough  manipulation  of  all  the  muscles- 
Otherwise  the  following  exercises  will  be  found  in- 
valuable, to  promote  natural  breathing  and  develop 
the  muscles  required  in  parturition.  Begin  cau- 
tiously with  the  first  five,  increasing  the  number 
and  time  devoted  to  them  as  strength  is  gained. 
"When  the  erect  position  is  directed,  and  always 
standing  and  walking,  assume  the 

HILITAEY  POSITION. 

1.  Heels  in  a line,  and  together. 

2.  Feet  turned  equally  outward,  forming  an 
angle  of  forty-five  degrees. 


MXLITAKY  POSITION. 


131 


3.  Knees  straight. 

4.  Body  square  to  the  front. 

5.  Chest  expanded  and  advanced,  but  without 
constraint. 

6.  Arms  hung  easily  to  the  side.  (Swing  them 
out  and  let  them  drop  like  a pendulum.) 

7.  Shoulders  equal  height. 

8.  Shoulder  blades  flat. 

9.  Head  erect,  raised  at  the  crown  (as  if  sus- 
pended by  a cord),  not  tipped  in  any  direction. 

10.  Chin  lightly  drawn  in. 

11.  Form  raised  to  full  height. 

12.  Body  poised  slightly  forward,  so  that  the 
weight  hears  mainly  on  the  ball  of  the  foot 

13.  Eyes  straight  to  the  front. 

14.  Whole  figure  in  such  a position  that  a line 
will  pass  through  ear,  shoulder,  hip,  knee  and  ankle. 

Get  this  position  before  a glass  and  practice  it, 
until  it  can  always  be  maintained.  It  gives  ease, 
grace  and  strength.  Teach  it  to  every  child. 

EXEBOISE  ADAPTED  TO  GESTATION. 

1.  Standing  position.  Carry  the  weight  of  the 
body  as  far  forward  and  backward  as  possible,  with- 
out lifting  heels  or  bending  knees.  Four  counts  to 
each  movement. 

2.  Same  position.  Bend  body  slowly  from  side 
to  side.  Keep  knees  straight  and  feet  firm. 

3.  Hands  forward  on  hips,  bend  trunk  at  hip 
joint  slowly  forward;  rise  slowly  and  bend  back- 
ward, always  keeping  the  head  in  position  with  the 
body. 


9 


132 


EXEECISE  FOE  GESTATION. 


4.  Inflate  the  lungs.  Touch  the  shoulders 
lightly  with  the  tips  of  the  fingers.  Bring  the 
elbows  slowly  in  front  of  the  body.  Lift  them  as 
high  as  possible.  Throw  elbows  back  and  up,  the 
fingers  still  touching  shoulders.  Bring  them  back 
to  commencing  position.  Expel  air.  This  exercise 
elevates  the  ribs  and  expands  lower  part  of  chest 

5.  Erect  position.  Inhale.  Finger-tips  to  shoul- 
ders. Hold  the  breath  to  count  twenty,  then  with 
clenched  fist  strike  downward  and  forward,  palms 
front,  expelling  breath  forcibly  with  the  motion. 
If  the  motion  is  decisive  the  breath  will  naturally 
be  expelled  with  the  diaphragm. 

6.  Kneel  on  a cushion,  knees  far  apart,  stretch 
arms  upward,  parallel  with  each  other  by  the  side 
of  head,  bend  trunk  slowly  backward  as  far  as 
possible,  remain  to  count  four,  return  forward  as 
far  as  possible,  keeping  knees  and  feet  firm.  This 
is  one  of  the  best  exercises  for  strengthening  the 
muscles  of  the  back  and  pelvis. 

7.  Same  position,  hands  clasped  on  top  of  head, 
move  the  body  from  side  to  side  slowly,  count 
four  with  each  movement  and  then  rest.  In  the 
same  position  twist  the  body  from  right  to  left. 

8.  Same  position,  arms  extended  horizontally 
forward,  throw  them  backward  in  a direct  line  as 
far  as  possible.  This  may  be  practiced  quickly,  or 
slowly  as  if  carrying  a weight. 

9.  .Reclining  upon  back,  flex  the  knees  and 
sway  them  from  side  to  side. 

10.  Same  position,  flex  and  thrust  the  limbs 
downward  alternately. 


EXERCISE  FOR  GESTATIOH. 


133 


11.  .Reclining,  face  downward,  flex  knees  and 
sway  feet  from  right  to  left. 

12.  Same  position,  with  the  help  of  an  assistant, 
flex  and  extend  the  limbs,  using  resistance. 

13.  Same  position,  rest  on  elbows  and  sway 
shoulders  from  right  to  left. 

14.  Same  position,  elevate  the  body  slowly, 
resting  only  on  toes  and  elbows. 

15.  Recline  on  back  and  make  hand  thrusts, 
with  or  without  weights,  upward,  outward,  forward 
and  downward. 

In  all  these  exercises  it  is  persistent,  patient  ef- 
fort that  gives  decided  results.  One  will  not  see 
their  effects  in  one  day,  nor  one  week,  unless  it  is 
in  greater  freedom  of  breath.  At  first  soreness 
may  follow  the  use  of  muscles  unaccustomed  to  ex- 
ercise. A wet  compress  or  a warm  bath  will  relieve 
this.  These  exercises  should  always  be  taken  in  a 
loose  wrapper  and  at  stated  hours.  The  best  time 
is  before  the  forenoon  bath  and  before  retiring  at 
night. 

The  following  is  a heresy  but  nevertheless  is  a 
truth. 

A pregnant  woman,  having  a comfortable  degree 
of  health,  will  derive  as  much  benefit  by  going  up 
and  down  stairs  as  by  any  other  exercise , providing 
she  observe  the  following  conditions: 

1.  The  dress  must  be  loose,  light  and  short 

2.  Keep  the  mouth  closed. 

3.  Fill  the  lungs  with  air,  hold  the  breath  until 
the  top  is  reached,  and  then  expel  slowly. 

4.  Stand  erect. 


134 


CLIMBING  8TAIX& 


Notice  what  has  been  accomplished-  The  dia- 
phragm and  abdominal  muscles  have  beeo  brought 
into  action  by  the  deep  breath,  while  the  muscles 
of  the  thigh,  pelvis,  perineum  and  groin  are  all  en- 
gaged in  elevating  the  body.  Each  time  the  thigh 
is  raised,  pressure  is  made  upon  the  abdominal  vis- 
cera, which,  if  there  is  no  outside  counteracting 
force,  are  pushed  outward  and  upward,  and  with 
the  opposite  movement  resume  their  place.  The 
reason  climbing  stairs  may  injure  women  is,  that 
with  each  upward  movement,  as  the  bowels  are 
pushed  out,  they  come  in  contact  with  the  outside 
constricting  pressure  of  corset  and  bands.  Where 
can  they  go!  Not  being  able  to  go  outward  they 
must  go  upward,  arresting  the  breath,  or  downward, 
pressing  the  pelvic  viscera  upon  the  perineum.  Is 
it  not  unjust  to  attribute  the  mischief  to  the  stairs, 
when  all  the  time  it  is  the  clothing  that  does  the 
harm  ? Who  would  ever  think  of  it  hurting  a boy 
to  go  up  stairs,  even  if  he  takes  three  steps  at  a 
time,  and  goes  up  three  flights  without  catching  his 
breath!  Dress  a girl  as  sensibly;  neither  will  it 
hurt  her,  for  really  the  little  anatomical  difference 
in  their  organization  is  in  the  girl’s  favor. 

Going  up  stairs  is  the  best  way  to  get  desired  ex- 
ercise in  a short  time.  A successful,  self-educated 
man  of  this  city  said  when  studying,  and  his  brain 
became  weary  and  stupid,  he  left  his  books  and  ran 
up  and  down  stairs  three  or  four  times,  accomplish- 
ing more  for  himself  than  by  half  an  hour’s  walk. 

When  I was  in  medical  college,  some  of  our  lect- 
ures were  on  the  fourth  floor,  and  my  own  room 


KEEP  THE  MODTH  CLOSED. 


135 


was  also  on  the  fourth  floor,  and  both  of  these 
buildings  had  high  ceilings..  I used  to  pride 
myself  in  starting  at  the  first  floor  and  running  to 
the  top  without  stopping.  I then  wore  the  “ Amer- 
ican costume,  ” and  was  nearly  as  free  in  my  dress 
as  a man.  Ever  since,  stairs  have  presented  no 
more  difficulties  to  me  than  the  level  floor. 

A lady  told  me  that  with  her  third  child  she 
practiced  going  up  and  down  stairs  on  purpose  for 
the  exercise.  The  result  was  the  easiest  labor  and 
the  best  recovery  6he  ever  had  experienced. 

In  climbing  hills,  observe  the  same  rules — keep 
the  mouth  closed , expel  slowly  through  the  nose, 
and  stand  erect.  Not  long  since  I read  a long  let- 
ter written  to  boys  (and  why  not  to  girls  as  well!) 
upon  running.  The  writer  claimed  that  the  whole 
secret  to  be  able  to  run  and  defy  all  competitors 
was  to  keep  the  mouth  closed . Why  ? Simply  be- 
cause it  forces  deep  breathing , forces  the  use  of  the 
diaphragm.  Any  one  can  prove  this.  So  with 
any  exercise,  but  especially  in  climbing  hills  or 
stairs  keep  the  mouth  closed. 

I imagine  a gentleman  reading  this  will  face- 
tiously remark  there  is  no  use  giving  this  order  to 
women  if  they  have  a companion.  I have  climbed 
the  mountains  of  Colorado,  even  been  to  the  dizzy 
heights  of  Pike’s  Peak,  and  I found  women  ob- 
served this  rule  better  than  men. 

In  closing,  let  me  urge  and  emphasize  that  the 
pregnant  woman  walks,  rides,  takes  gymnastics, 
climbs  hills  and  stairs,  beginning  according  to  her 
strength,  and  increasing  the  amount  from  day  to 


136  WALK,  BIDE  AND  CLIMB  HILLS. 

day.  Upon  strength,  power  and  vigor  of  muscles, 
largely  depends  easy  labor.  Muscles  must  be  fed 
upon  proper  food  and  strengthened  by  use.  Let 
the  diet  have  a large  proportion  of  nitrates,  then 
make  assimilation  possible  by  all  conditions  neces- 
sary for  proper  digestion,  never  forgetting  that  daily 
exercise  is  the  most  important. 


CHAPTER  XL  - 


0HA8TITY  IN  THE  MARRIAGE  RELATION. 

“ So  dear  to  heaven  is  saintly  chastity, 

That,  when  a soul  is  found  sincerely  so, 

A thousand  liveried  angels  lackey  her.” 

— Milton. 

Many  years  ago,  while  visiting  a cousin,  a young 
married  woman  called  with  her  four  months  old 
baby — a thin-necked,  bloodless,  blue  looking  child. 
After  she  left,  cousin  observed,  “ Is  it  not  a shame 
that  young  people  have  so  little  knowledge?  That 
poor  child  is  suffering  because  the  parents  too  fre- 
quently practice  the  privileges  accorded  in  the 
marriage  relation.  The  milk  is  deprived  of  its 
vitalizing  and  nutritious  elements.”  So  little  of 
such  matters  had  come  to  my  knowledge  that  all 
she  meant  was  not  comprehended.  What  my  in- 
stincts had  taught  me,  and  what  had  been  seen  in 
animal  life,  I had  no  thought  this  relation  ever 
was  frequent,  especially  during  child-bearing. 

To  this  day  the  picture  of  that  wan,  pale  baby  is 
impressed  upon  my  memory,  its  very  emaciation, 
making  an  eloquent  plea  for  the  rights  of  children. 
Soon  after  this,  I heard  H.  C.  Wright’s  lecture 
upon  “Marriage;  its  Duties  and  Responsibilities.” 
He  urged  men  and  women  to  transmit  the  best  of 
themselves  to  their  children,  and  be  certain  that 
offspring  were  not  deprived  of  vitality  and 
(137) 


138 


RIGHTS  OF  CHILDREN. 


strength  by  lustful  indulgence.  For  the  sake  of 
improvement  and  progress  of  posterity,  the  life  of 
married  people  must  be  temperate.  After  this  I 
read  his  “ Marriage  and  Parentage,  ” and  also  “ Un- 
welcome Child,  ” with  increased  interest  in  this 
subject.  At  that  time  the  need  of  such  lectures  and 
books  was  not  understood.  In  long  years  since,  the 
agonizing  cries  of  heartbroken,  suffering  women, 
the  terrible  death  rate  of  little  children  have  proven 
that  in  the  marriage  relation  there  is  such  a perver- 
sion of  nature,  such  grievous  wrongs  committed, 
that  one  needs  a pen  of  fire  to  express  the  living, 
burning  thoughts,  and  carry  the  conviction  of  truth 
into  the  very  lives  of  men  and  women. 

Unless  by  some  divine  miracle,  the  eloquence  of 
a thousand  H.  C.  Wright’s  can  not  stay  the  flood- 
tide  of  wrong  and  injustice  now  done  to  women 
and  children  under  the  cover  of  law. 

Among  animals,  except  in  rare  instances  under 
domestication,  the  female  never  admits  the  male 
in  sexual  embrace,  unless  for  the  purposes  of  pro- 
creation. 

Among  some  untutored  savage  tribes  this  same 
rule  has  few  exceptions.  It  remains  for  the  people 
of  the  highest  civilization,  boasting  of  their  moral 
and  religious  codes,  to  hold,  teach  and  practice  that 
sexual  union  shall  occur  in  season  and  out  of  sea- 
son, averring  this  to  be  the  fulfillment  of  nature’s 
law. 

Briefly  consider  different  views  upon  this  sub- 
ject 

First.  Those  who  hold  that  6exual  intercourse 


POPULAR  THEORIES. 


139 


is  a “ physical  necessity  ” to  the  male  but  not  to 
the  female. 

Second.  Those  who  believe  the  act  is  a love  re- 
lation, mutually  demanded  and  enjoyed  by  both 
sexes. 

Third.  Those  who  claim  the  relation  should 
never  be  entered  into  save  for  procreation. 

Physicians  and  physiologists  teach,  while  most 
men  and  women  believe  that  sexual  union  is  a 
necessity  to  man,  while  it  is  not  to  woman.  That 
there  is  implanted  in  his  being  demands  that  can 
not  be  restrained  without  injury  to  health. 

That  restraint  is  followed  by  absorption  of  the 
elements  of  generation,  producing  effects  not  un- 
like the  absorption  of  pus. 

That  woman  naturally  has  not  so  much  passion 
as  man,  has  not  so  much  secretion,  also  has  an  out- 
let in  menstruation,  consequently  has  not  the  same 
demands  nor  the  same  injury  if  not  gratified. 

Is  this  theory  based  upon  truth  ? 

What  are  the  facts  from  which  to  infer  what 
men  and  women  naturally  are? 

When  woman  only  is  taught  that  virtue  is  the 
brightest  jewel  in  her  crown,  when  the  popular  ver- 
dict is  that  womanliness  and  modesty  are  syno- 
nyms for  repression,  when  she  lives  in  fear  of 
maternity,  and  believes  restraint  on  her  part  pre- 
vents vitality  of  life  germs,  whm,  too,  erroneous 
habits  in  life  pervert  every  function,  how  can  we 
tell  what  is  natural  for  her? 

Then,  on  the  other  hand,  with  man,  when  he  is 
taught  that  virtue  is  not  a manly  accomplishment, 


14:0 


SOCIAL  EVIL. 


when  the  passions  are  stim  ulated  by  unnatural  hab- 
its of  living,  by  impure  conversation,  thoughts, 
books  and  practices;  can  we  say  this  strength  of 
passion  is  purely  natural  and  healthy? 

A.  E.  Newton  says,  “They  who  have  ever  care- 
fully noted  the  effects  of  alcoholic  stimulants,  of 
coffee,  oysters,  eggs,  spices  and  animal  food,  as  well 
as  they  who  find  pleasure  in  filthy  conversations, 
can  not  surely,  with  any  justness,  charge  nature 
with  the  exuberance  of  their  amatory  desires.” 

"We  teach  the  girl  repression , the  boy  expression , 
not  simply  by  word  and  book,  but  the  lessons  are 
graven  into  their  very  being  by  all  the  traditions, 
prejudices  and  customs  of  society. 

What  are  some  of  the  results  of  this  theory? 

Notably,  in  the  first  place,  we  have  what  is  called 
the  “social  evil.”  Women,  licensed  by  men,  make 
a business  of  prostitution,  selling  their  bodies  that 
this  demand — this  necessity — of  the  male  shall  be 
supplied.  In  visiting  these  women,  men  simply 
yield  to  this  necessity  of  their  nature;  consequently 
commit  no  wrong. 

Women  not  having  the  same  demands,  by  enter- 
ing this  life,  or  even  permitting  the  act  once,  vio- 
late the  laws  of  their  being,  and  consequently  commit 
a crime;  according  to  the  social  codes,  perpetrate 
the  greatest  sin  in  the  criminal  calender.  They 
become  outcasts.  If  they  fill  their  lives  with  the 
noblest  and  most  philanthropic  deeds,  this  one  sin 
is  so  foul  and  rank,  is  such  an  offense,  they  have 
little  hope  of  remission,  even  from  a just  and  all- 
loving  God. 


WOMAN  IN  MARRIAGE. 


141 


Can  the  fact  that  men  are  upheld,  their  crime 
even  condoned,  while  women,  as  partners  in  this 
terrible  evil,  are  not  only  ostracised,  but  irretriev- 
ably lost,  be  explained  in  any  other  way? 

Witness  the  effect  of  this  same  theory  in  the 
marriage  relation!  The  man  who  has  been  accus- 
tomed to  gratify  his  passions  promiscuously,  seeks 
and  marries  a lovely,  virtuous  girl.  She  is  not 
supposed  to  have  needs  in  this  direction.  She  has 
not  learned  that  her  body  is  her  own  and  her  soul 
is  her  Maker’s.  She  gives  up  all  ownership  of  self 
to  her  husband,  and  what  is  the  difference  between 
her  life  and  the  life  of  the  public  woman?  She  is 
sold  to  one  man,  and  is  not  half  so  well  paid.  Is 
it  too  strong  language  to  say  she  is  the  one  pros- 
titute taking  the  place,  for  the  man,  of  many,  and 
not  like  her,  having  choice  of  time  or  conditions? 
In  consequence  she  not  only  suffers  physically,  but 
feels  disgraced  and  outraged  to  the  depths  of  her 
soul. 

She  is  liable  to  a chance  maternity  and  the 
v/nwelcome  child  is  not  only  deprived  of  physical 
vigor,  but  may  be  endowed  with  lustful  passions 
and  morbid  appetites,  if  he  does  not  curse  his  own 
existence. 

At  the  close  of  one  of  my  health  conversations 
after  speaking  upon  this  subject,  a lady  tremblingly 
but  touchingly  gave  her  experience.  She  said: 
“ Ladies,  when  I was  married  two  years  I was  the 
mother  of  a puny,  sickly  baby;  it  had  required 
incessant  care  and  watching  to  keep  it  alive. 
When  it  was  only  seven  months  old  to  mv  surprise. 


142 


TOUCHING  KXPEEIENOK. 


astonishment  and  horror  I felt  quickening , and  for 
the  first  time,  knew  I was  pregnant  again.  I was 
abased,  humiliated.  The  sense  of  degradation  that 
filled  my  soul,  can  not  be  described.  What  had 
been  done?  The  babe  that  was  born  and  the  babe 
that  was  unborn  were  robbed  of  their  just  inherit- 
ance. Remorsefully  and  tearfully  1 told  my 
mother.  She  says:  ‘ Why,  child,  you  should  not 
grieve;  don’t  you  know  your  children  are  legiti- 
mate? ’ My  whole  being  arose  in  protest;  I stamped 
my  foot  and  almost  screamed.  Although  my  hus- 
band is  the  father  of  my  children,  they  are  not 
legitimate.  No  man-made  laws,  nor  priestly  rites 
can  ever  make  an  act  legitimate  that  deprives  inno- 
cent children  of  their  right  to  life  and  health. 
With  sobs  and  moans  reaction  came  and  I fainted  in 
her  arms.  What  was  the  sequel  ? Two  years  more 
both  of  these  children  after  a brief  existence  lay  in 
the  ‘ city  of  the  dead,’  and  until  my  husband  and  I 
learned  the  law  we  could  not  have  children  to 
live.” 

Parties  holding  the  second  theory  claim  that 
coition  is  a love  act.  That  it  should  never  occur 
except  when  there  is  mutual  participation  on  the 
part  of  both  male  and  female  and  should  be  gov- 
erned and  guarded  so  as  to  control  the  creative 
power. 

They  claim  this  act  is  the  emblem  of  love.  By  it 
there  is  a mutual  exchange  of  subtle  elements 
that  gives  health  and  vigor  and  more  firmly  ce- 
ments the  union. 

Also  if  the  lives  of  married  people  accorded  to 


LEBBOH  JOB  HUSBABDB. 


143 


this  theory  the  demand  of  the  male  would  be  no 
more  frequent  than  the  female. 

That  it  is  not  possible  for  the  husband  to  sustain 
this  relation  satisfactorily  and  without  injury  to  him- 
self unless  there  is  reciprocation  on  the  part  of  his 
wife.  That  under  this  mutual  relation  there  is  no 
loss  to  either  party  but  a mutual  compensation. 

This  theory  has  its  arguments  and  many  times  a 
knowledge  of  it  has  saved  women  from  disease  and 
despair. 

A woman  once  consulted  me  who  was  the  mother 
of  five  children,  all  born  within  ten  years.  These 
were  puny,  scorfulous,  nervous,  and  irritable.  She 
herself  was  a good  subject  for  doctors  and  drugs. 
Every  organ  in  her  body  seemed  diseased  and 
every  function  perverted.  She  was  dragging  out  a 
miserable  existence.  Like  other  physicians  I had 
prescribed  in  vain  for  her  many  maladies.  One 
day  she  chanced  to  inquire  how  she  could  safely 
prevent  conception.  This  led  me  to  ask  how  great 
was  the  danger.  She  said:  “Unless  my  husband 
is  absent  from  home,  few  nights  have  been  exempt 
since  we  were  married,  unless  it  may  be  three  or 
four  immediately  after  confinement. 

“And  yet  your  husband  loves  yon?” 

“O,  yes,  he  is  kind  and  provides  for  his  family. 
Perhaps  I might  love  him  but  for  this.  While 
now,  will  God  forgive  me,  I detest , I loathe  him , 
and  if  I knew  how  to  support  myself  and  children, 
would  leave  him.” 

“ Can  you  talk  with  him  upon  this  subject?” 

“ I think  I can.” 


144 


HEALTH  KESTOEE3). 


“ Then  there  is  hope,  for  many  women  can  not 
do  that.  ’ 

“ Tell  him  I will  give  yon  treatment  to  improve 
your  health  and  if  he  will  wait  until  you  can  respond, 
take  time  for  the  act , have  it  entirely  mutual  from 
first  to  last , the  demand  will  not  come  so  frequent.” 

“ Do  you  think  so?  ” 

“ The  lives  of  many  prove  the  truth  of  this  state- 
ment.” 

Hopefully  she  went  home,  and  in  six  months  I 
had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  my  patient  was  re- 
stored to  health,  that  a single  coition  in  a month 
gave  the  husband  more  satisfaction  than  the  many 
had  done  previously,  that  the  creative  power  was 
under  control  and  that  my  lady  could  proudly  say  “ I 
love,”  where  previously  she  said  “ I hate.”  If  hus- 
bands will  listen,  a few  simple  instructions  will  ap- 
peal to  their  common  sense,  and  none  can  imagine 
the  gain  to  themselves,  to  their  wives,  their  chil- 
dren and  their  children’s  children.  Then  it  may 
not  be  said  of  the  babes  that  their  “ Death  borders 
on  their  birth,  and  their  cradle  stands  in  the 
grave.” 

The  third  theory,  that  the  sexual  relation  should 
never  be  sustained,  save  for  procreation,  has  many 
adherents.  It  is  taught  “there  are  other  uses 
for  the  procreative  element  than  the  generation  of 
offspring” — far  better  uses  than  its  waste  in  mo- 
mentary pleasure.  This  element  when  retained  in 
the  system,  the  mental  powers  being  properly  di- 
rected, is  in  some  way  absorbed  and  diffused 
throughout  the  whole  organism,  replacing  waste 


THEORY  OF  CONTINENCE. 


145 


and  imparting  a peculiar  vivifying  influence.  It 
is  taken  up  by  the  brain  and  may  be  coined  into 
new  thoughts — perhaps  new  inventions — grand 
conceptions  of  the  true,  the  beautiful,  the  useful,  or 
into  fresh  emotions  of  joy  and  impulses  of  kindness 
and  blessings  to  all  around.  It  is  a procreation  on 
the  mental  and  spiritual  planes  instead  of  the  phy- 
sical. It  is  just  as  really  a part  of  the  generative 
function  as  is  the  begetting  of  physical  offspring .” 

They  claim  that  men,  eminent  for  grand  achieve- 
ments in  fields  of  science,  philosophy,  invention, 
religion  and  philanthropy,  have  been  men  whose 
lives  accorded  to  this  theory,  referring  us  as  illus- 
trious examples  to  Plato,  Newton,  Lamb,  our  own 
Irving  and  Whittier,  and  always  remembering  the 
humble  Nazarene. 

They  also  claim  that  to  woman  belongs  the 
“ creative  power,”  that  she  must  choose  when  a 
new  life  shall  be  evolved,  and  only  by  adhering  to 
this  law  will  she  be  able  to  be  protected  in  the 
highest  function  of  her  being — the  function  of  ma- 
ternity. Mrs.  Chandler  in  her  able  pamphlet  enti- 
tled “ Motherhood,”  says:  “Every  mother  from  the 
hour  when  the  new  life  commences,  is  overshad- 
owed by  the  Most  High,  and,  could  she  understand 
her  needs  and  powers,  and  secure  to  herself  respect 
due  to  her  sacred  office,  and,  free  from  all  pollut- 
ing intrusion  upon  herself,  bathe  her  spirit  in  the 
influxes  which  the  life  within  attracts,  very  rapidly 
would  disappear  the  loathsome  deformities,  the 
discordant  spirits  now  blotting  the  fair  proportions 
of  humanity.” 


14tt  UNDISTURBED  MATERNITY. 

She  claims  that  in  the  scripture  statement  in 
reference  to  the  parents  of  the  child  Jesus,  that  Jo- 
seph “ knew  not  ” Mary  from  the  hour  when  the 
announcement  of  the  new  life  was  made  until  the 
birth  of  the  child,  is  involved  a deeper  and  more 
important  meaning  than  the  Christian  world  or  the 
medical  profession  has  discovered.  That  this  “ un- 
disturbed maternity,”  which  was  essential  to  the 
ushering  in  of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  is  equally  in 
all  cases  “ a vital  and  indisputable  necessity  for  the 
salvation  of  humanity.”  Motherhood,  she  feeling- 
ly urges,  should  be  a shrine  unpolluted  by  one 
touch  of  selfishness  or  lust.  O woman!  This 
would  be  thy  recompense  for  all  the  sufferings  and 
agonies  which  pertain  to  physical  womanhood  and 
motherhood.” 

It  is  encouraging  for  those  who  believe  this 
thought  to  know  that  not  only  women  but  men 
standing  high  in  learning  and  literature  espouse 
and  teach  it.  Dr.  Cowan’s  “ Science  of  a New 
Life”  gives  what  he  terms  the  law  of  continence 
as  a central  thought.  It  is  full  of  practical  lessons 
for  married  people,  and  has  had  a large  sale. 

Dr.  Dio  Lewis’  work  upon  “Chastity,”  in  which 
he  teaches  the  same  theory,  has  been  read  by  thou- 
sands. Of  this  Rev.  C.  H.  Churchill,  of  Oberlin, 
says:  “ It  is  a book  which  should  find  a place  in 
every  home,  and  should  be  carefully  read  especially 
by  the  young.” 

The  groundwork  of  A.  E.  Newton’s  pamphlet, 
entitled  “ The  Better  Way”  is  that  only  through 
continent  lives  can  we  hope  for  progress. 


CONTINEKCE  IN  PREGNANCY. 


147 


“ Plain  Facts”  by  Dr.  Kellogg,  has  had  an  im- 
mense sale.  He,  too,  teaches  the  same  thought. 

Note,  all  these  books  are  written  hymen — not  by 
women,  with  some  fancied  wrongs  to  redress;  but 
by  men  strongly  in  sympathy  with  the  needs  of  the 
race.  They  claim  that  a better  and  higher  genera- 
tion can  only  be  attained  through  a practical  knowl- 
edge of  the  “ law  of  continence.” 

At  least,  this  is  a subject  demanding  the  serious 
consideration  of  scientists,  philosophers  and  phi- 
lanthropists. 

If  the  law  of  continence  is  not  the  law  to  govern 
one’s  entire  life,  it  seems  reasonable  that  the  mother 
should  be  exempt  from  the  sexual  relation  during 
gestation.  The  husband  should  ever  be  ready 
to  comfort  and  cheer  with  his  sympathy.  He 
should  bear  in  mind  at  this  time  his  wife  and  child 
need  the  conservation  of  all  forces,  and  consequently 
he  should  “observe  all  laws  that  will  let  passion 
serve  and  reason  reign.” 

No  one  means  will  palliate  the  many  nervous 
symptoms  of  pregnancy  more  than  by  observing 
the  law  of  continence.  I have  known  women 
whom  not  only  a touch  or  a kiss  would  make  irrita- 
ble during  pregnancy,  but  also  would  cause  nausea 
and  vomiting. 

Of  what  use  is  it  to  teach  the  young  lessons  of 
purity  and  morality,  when  by  prenatal  culture,  they 
have  graven  in  their  very  lives  lessons  of  prostitu- 
tion? Many  men  violate  this  law  of  reproduction 
through  ignorance.  Were  they  taught  the  results,, 


148 


PEACTICAL  HINTS. 


and  how  to  live  lives  of  self-control,  many  wonld 
gladly  accept  the  lesson. 

To  live  continent  lives,  avoid  food  containing 
aphrodisiac  stimulants,  such  as  coffee,  eggs,  oysters, 
and  animal  food.  Omit  the  evening  meal ; to  live 
a continent  life,  this  stands  paramount  to  all  other 
means.  Let  the  life  be  temperate  in  every  respect, 
and  with  a strong  will  the  victory  can  be  won. 
“Remember  that  it  is  the  action  of  the  mind 
chiefly,  that  stimulates  excessive  seminal  secretion.” 
The  husband  being  the  devoted  lover,  with  similar 
untiring,  delicate  attentions,  can  attain  the  same 
self-control  he  practiced  during  courtship.  The 
wife  will  more  surely  retain  her  health  and  youthful 
charms  in  bearing  welcome  children.  Women  will 
rejoice  in  a glad  maternity,  and  a higher,  nobler 
and"  more  God-like  posterity  will  people  the  earth. 

A few  months  since  I read  a paper  before  a Med- 
ical Association,  entitled,  “ The  Hygiene  of  Preg- 
nancy.” In  it  were  sentiments  similar  to  the 
above.  It  had  been  written  hesitatingly,  expecting 
sneers  only  from  the  men  composing  that  body. 
Previous  to  the  reading  of  my  paper,  the  members 
had  taken  but  little  interest  in  the  convention  ex- 
cept to  promulgate  pet  theories.  The  weather  was 
warm,  and  groups  were  sitting  on  the  piazzas, 
smoking  cigars,  indifferent  to  subjects  under  dis- 
cussion. The  reading  had  not  proceeded  far,  how- 
ever, when  cigars  were  thrown  away,  and  for  the 
first  time  the  entire  convention  were  listeners. 
Judge  of  my  surprise  when  the  thoughts  expressed 
.received  a long  and  hearty  applause.  Most  of 


REVERENCE  FOK  MATERNITY. 


149 


those  men  used  tobacco,  some  drank  beer,  and  all 
ate  animal  food.  They  were  not  the  class  of  men 
from  whom  a response  to  such  radical  sentiments 
would  be  expected. 

It  has  ever  since  been  forced  home  to  me  with  a 
strong  conviction  that  most  men  only  need  to  have 
the  justness  of  this  subject  presented  to  them  for 
them  to  be  convinced  of  its  truth.  Men  naturally 
reverence  the  maternal  in  woman  and  if  taught 
that  continence  serves  the  best  interests  of  mother- 
hood and  posterity,  would  cheerfully  accord  their 
lives  to  it. 

A principal  of  a high  school  in  Iowa  said  he  was 
a married  man  many  years  before  he  knew  the  sex- 
ual relation  was  ever  sustained  during  pregnancy. 
When  he  learned  it,  he  asserted  his  whole  soul  was 
filled  with  shame  and  horror  that  his  sex  had  no 
better  knowledge  of  their  protective  duties  relat- 
ing to  maternity. 

Those  desiring  the  best  reproduction  of  them- 
selves should  learn  that: 

“ Control  of  appetite  is  the  first  step  in  human 
culture. 

The  first  right  of  a child  is  to  be  well  born. 

Ho  man  should  become  a father  who  can  not 
and  will  not  observe  the  demands  of  temperance 
in  all  things  for  the  benefit  of  his  child. 

Motherhood  is  the  central  fact  of  human  life. 

Every  mother  should  be  set  apart  during 
pregnancy  for  the  ante-natal  culture  of  her  child.” 


CHAPTEK  XIL 


VENTILATION. 

"While  pure  air  is  desirable  for  all  persons  under 
every  condition,  it  is  doubly  bo  for  the  pregnant 
woman.  She  breathes  for  two.  Nothing  is  more 
essential  for  the  healthful  nourishment  of  the  fetus 
than  that  the  blood  be  thoroughly  oxygenated. 
Everywhere,  in  railroad  cars,  streets,  shops,  public 
halls  and  dwelling  houses,  there  is  foul  air — air 
that  is  loaded  with  exhalations  from  the  lungs, 
emanations  from  the  body,  and  is  often  vitiated 
with  tobacco  and  alcohol. 

Architects  and  builders  pay  but  little  attention 
to  ventilation.  They,  with  occupants,  seem  to 
think  that  the  most  important  purpose  of  a build- 
ing is  to  keep  the  heat  in  in  the  winter  and  keep  it 
out  in  the  summer. 

With  every  breath  a person  exhales  nearly  twenty 
cubic  inches  of  carbonic  gas,  which  is  a deadly 
poison,  at  the  same  time  inhales  the  life-giving 
oxygen,  constantly  exhausting  the  supply.  Tet 
the  great  fear  of  drafts,  as  well  as  need  of  econo- 
mizing heat,  causes  most  persons  to  breathe  the 
same  air  over  and  over  again.  Gases  that  are  in- 
imical to  health  and  life  are  constantly  inhaled. 
If  one  breathed  deeply  and  only  pure  air  it  would 
atone  for  violation  of  many  other  physiological 
(150) 


VENTILATION  OF  BEDROOMS. 


151 


laws.  The  proof  of  this  is  seen  in  the  effects  of  a 
hunter’s  or  a pioneer’s  life. 

The  following,  from  the  lancet , gives  some  prac- 
tical ideas  upon  the  ventilation  of  bedrooms: 

“ If  a man  were  deliberately  to  shut  himself  for 
some  six  or  eight  hours  daily  in  a stuffy  room,  with 
closed  doors  and  windows  (the  doors  not  being 
opened  even  to  change  the  air  during  the  period  of 
incarceration)  and  were  then  to  complain  of  head- 
ache and  debility  he  would  justly  be  told  that  his  own 
want  of  intelligent  foresight  was  the  cause  of  his  suf- 
fering. Nevertheless,  this  is  what  the  great  mass  of 
people  do  every  night  of  their  lives,  with  no  thought 
of  their  imprudence.  There  are  few  bedrooms  in 
which  it  is  perfectly  sate  to  pass  the  night  without 
something  more  than  ordinary  precautions  to  se- 
cure an  inflow  of  fresh  air.  Every  sleeping  apart- 
ment should,  of  course,  have  a fire-place  with  an 
open  chimney,  and  in  cold  weather  it  is  well  if  the 
grate  contains  a small  fire,  at  least  enough  to  create 
an  upward  current  to  carry  off  the  vitiated  air  of  the 
room.  In  all  such  cases,  however,  when  a fire  is 
used,  it  is  necessary  to  see  that  the  air  drawn  into 
the  room  comes  from  the  outside  of  the  house.  By 
an  easy  mistake  it  is  possible  to  place  the  occupant 
of  a bedroom  with  a fire  in  a closed  house  in  a di- 
rect current  of  foul  air  drawn  from  all  parts  of  the 
establishment.  Summer  and  winter,  with  or  with- 
out the  use  ot  fires,  it  is  well  to  have  a free  ingress 
for  pure  air.  This  should  be  the  ventilator’s  first 
concern.  Foul  air  will  find  an  exit  if  pure  air  is 
admitted  in  sufficient  quantity,  but  it  is  not  certain 


152 


VENTILATION  OF  BEDROOMS. 


that  pure  air  will  also  be  drawn  away.  So  far  as 
sleeping  rooms  are  concerned  it  is  wise  to  let  in  the 
air  from  without.  The  aim  must  be  to  accomplish 
the  object  without  causing  a great  fall  of  temperature 
or  a draft.  The  windows  may  be  drawn  down  an 
inch  or  two  at  the  top  with  advantage,  and  a fold 
of  muslin  will  form  a ‘ ventilator  ’ to  take  off  the 
feeling  of  draft.  This  with  an  open  fire-place  will 
generally  suffice,  and  produce  no  unpleasant  conse- 
quences, even  when  the  weather  is  cold.” 

While  the  open  fire-place,  ’tis  true,  gives  splen- 
did ventilation,  at  the  present  price  of  fuel  it  is  a 
luxury  not  within  the  reach  of  most  people.  How- 
ever, even  at  greater  cost  than  at  present,  to  many 
the  gain  in  health  would  be  so  great,  expense  would 
be  saved  in  other  directions. 

Recently  there  have  been  open  6toves  constructed 
on  a new  principle,  that  are  very  desirable.  They 
are  cheerful  and  decorative  in  appearance,  equal  to 
other  stoves  for  cleanliness,  economical  of  heat,  and 
what  is  so  needful  in  every  dwelling,  furnish  a 
constant  change  of  air — are  in  themselves  ven- 
tilators. 

One  building  a new  house  can  easily  have  ven- 
tilation by  making  a dry  well  of  good  dimensions 
in  the  yard  and  filling  it  with  coarse  charcoal. 
Should  have  an  air-shaft  leading  to  it  and  one  from 
it  into  the  house.  The  air  from  it  must  go  directly 
to  the  furnace.  Should  be  so  constructed  that 
water  will  drip  slowly  through  the  charcoal.  In 
this  way  the  moisture  and  charcoal  purifies  the 
outside  air,  freeing  it  from  dust  and  smoke,  while 


WARM  AIR  IN  SLEEPING-  ROOMS. 


153 


the  pit  cools  it  in  the  summer,  and  modifies  the 
temperature  in  the  winter.  Better  air  is  obtained 
than  if  let  in  by  windows  and  doors. 

The  house  should  have  flues  for  the  escape  of 
impure  gases.  Common  grates  will  answer  the 
purpose.  An  abundance  of  pure  warm  air  is  con- 
stantly supplied. 

In  regard  to  fresh  air  in  sleeping  rooms,  Dr. 
James  H.  Jackson  says: 

“ There  appears  to  be  a want  of  a clear  under- 
standing of  the  difference  between  the  terms  fresh 
air  and  pure  air,  and  many  persons  do  not  seem  to 
comprehend  that  the  air  of  a room  may  be  both 
pure  and  warm.  They  seem  not  to  know  that  the 
temperature  does  not  affect  the  purity  of  the  air  so 
long  as  there  is  opportunity  for  proper  circulation. 
Pure  air  is  not  necessarily  cold,  nor  is  cold  air 
always  pure.  In  order  to  have  good  ventilation, 
provision  should  always  be  made  for  a circulation 
of  air.  It  is  not  sufficient  to  provide  an  entrance 
for  outside  air;  exit  through  an  opposite  door  or 
window  or  flue  should  also  be  secured.  A good 
way  to  do  this  is  to  let  down  a window  two  or  three 
inches  at  the  top,  and  the  air  thus  let  in  becomes 
somewhat  warmed  by  the  heat  of  the  room  which 
rises.  Here  then  you  have  warm  fresh  air.  How 
bad  air,  being  loaded  with  carbonic  acid  gas,  sinks 
to  the  bottom  of  the  room.  Some  way  must  there- 
fore be  provided  for  its  escape.  A transom  near 
the  bottom  of  the  door  would  answer  the  purpose; 
an  open  fire-place  furnishes  an  outlet  for  impure 
air,  or  if  both  these  are  wanting,  the  door  may  be 


154 


WARM  AIR  IN  SLEEPING  ROOMS. 


left  slightly  ajar,  or  a simple  and  inexpensive  ven- 
tilator may  be  made  by  fitting  into  the  stove-pipe, 
above  its  damper,  another  piece  of  pipe  that  shall 
be  cut  off  within  two  inches  of  the  floor;  this  pipe 
also  to  be  provided  with  a damper  which  can  be 
opened  at  will.  A very  effective  draft  is  thus 
created  near  the  floor,  which  takes  all  foul  air  up 
into  the  chimney. 

“ I do  not  approve,  on  the  contrary  I condemn 
tha  habit  of  sleeping,  even  in  the  coldest  weather, 
in  a small  room,  windows  closed,  weather  strips  on 
the  doors  and  sashes,  and  every  possible  device 
used  to  keep  out  the  outside  air.  In  such  a room 
one  must  necessarily  respire  the  same  air  many 
■fimes,  and  the  fact  that  it  is  cold  does  not  make  it 
the  less  injurious.  Nature  throws  off  by  the 
breathing  process  certain  poisonous  elements  which 
to  re-breathe  and  re-absorb  is  most  pernicious.  No 
one  who  is  not  robust  should  sleep  in  a room  so 
cold  that  the  windows  and  doors  must  all  be  closed 
to  keep  warm.  A much  more  healthful  way  is  to 
have  the  temperature  of  the  sleeping  room  the 
same  as  that  of  the  living  room;  under  no  circum- 
stances do  I deem  it  advisable  for  an  invalid  ts 
sleep  in  a room  that  can  not  have  pure,  warm  air. 

“ Remember  that  the  important  point  is  circula- 
tion, and  that  this  may  be  had  without  letting  in  a 
great  volume  of  cold  air.  Drafts  upon  the  person 
should  of  course  be  avoided.” 

A small  amount  of  outside  air  can  be  let  into  a 
room  by  raising  the  window  four  or  five  inches  and 
fitting  a board  at  the  bottom.  There  is  a space 


THE  NOSE  A SENTINEL. 


155 


left  between  the  sash  that  allows  some  air  to  enter 
and  that  without  a draft.  This,  however,  is  not 
sufficient  in  a small  bedroom,  unless  for  the 
coldest  weather.  To  test  the  condition  of  a sleep- 
ing room,  leave  it  closed  in  the  morning,  go  in  the 
fresh  air  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  return  to  the  room 
and  if  the  air  seems  less  pure  than  the  outside  air, 
the  ventilation  is  imperfect 

“The  nose  is  a sentinel  to  warn  us  of  danger.” 
It  should  be  educated  to  tell  the  condition  of  the 
air  we  breathe.  What  a benefit  to  mankind  if 
Borne  one  would  invent  a gauge  to  determine  the 
i amount  of  impurities  in  the  air,  as  heat  is  tested 
bj  a thermometer.  Would  it  not  on  many  oc- 
casions give  us  startling  revelations? 

To  aid  in  improving  the  air  of  a house,  and  es- 
pecially of  a sleeping  room,  we  have  a safe,  efficient 
and  economical  means  in  the  use  of  unslaked  lime 
and  charcoal. 

A small  box  or  basket  of  charcoal  and  unslaked 
lime,  should  in  fact,  be  placed  in  every  invalid’s 
room,  or  in  one  where  children  sleep  in  their 
cradles,  for  the  purpose  of  absorbing  the  carbonic 
acid  gas  of  the  lungs,  and  the  effluvium  of  the 
human  body. 

The  discovery  of  this  simple  method  is  attrib- 
uted to  Dr.  Bonizzardi,  of  Italy.  He  claims, 
“ That  people  die  much  more  rapidly  through  the 
deleterious  effects  of  miasma  and  carbonic  acid  gas 
than  by  the  want  of  oxygen  in  the  air.  To  prove 
his  theory,  he  put  three  fowls  on  a perfectly  even 
floor,  under  three  glass  cases,  and  placed  in  the 


156 


LIME  AND  CHARCOAL. 


case  containing  tlie  first  bird  a piece  of  unslaked 
lime,  in  the  second  one  some  pieces  of  charcoal, 
while  the  third  contained  nothing  but  the  fowl. 
In  half  an  hour  after  the  birds  were  confined  he 
examined  them,  and  found  that  the  animal  in  the 
second  case,  that  containing  charcoal,  though  less 
vivacious  than  when  it  was  imprisoned,  was  quite 
active,  and  showed  no  sign  of  suffering;  that  the 
first,  in  the  case  containing  the  unslaked  lime,  was 
almost  in  agonies;  while  the  one  in  the  empty  case 
was  dead.  The  latter  creature,  not  having  any 
lime  to  absorb  the  carbonic  acid  gas  of  the  lungs, 
nor  charcoal  to  collect  on  its  surface  the  effluvium 
of  the  surrounding  air,  died  of  blood  poisoning, 
which  was  produced  solely  by  the  action  of  the 
carbonic  acid  expelled  from  the  lungs,  and  the 
effluvium  of  the  close  atmosphere  in  which  it  was 
placed. 

“ The  fowl  that  was  supplied  with  the  lime  was 
only  quite  ill,  because  the  lime  had  removed  one 
of  the  causes  of  death  by  absorbing  the  carbonic 
acid  gas,  while  the  bird  confined  in  the  case  con- 
taining the  charcoal  was  only  slightly  indisposed 
or  ill,  because  the  charcoal  absorbed  all  the  exhala- 
tions of  the  lungs  and  body. 

“These  experiments  prove  that  people  die  far 
more  quickly  from  the  deleterious  action  of 
miasma  than  from  any  deficiency  of  oxygen  in  the 
air.  The  moral  of  these  experiments  is:  That  a 
small  basket  of  charcoal  should  be  placed  in  the 
room,  and  even  in  the  bed,  of  every  invalid,  in 
order  that  it  may  absorb  the  carbonic  acid  gas 


DAILY  SIESTA- 


157 


floating  in  the  air,  and  thus  rendering  the  atmos- 
phere purer  and  more  wholesome.” 

Rest. — A daily  siesta  ought  to  he  taken  by  the 
pregnant  woman.  Even  if  she  feels  well  and  is  not 
accustomed  to  rest  during  the  day,  it  would  be  far 
better  for  her  to  take  it  regularly.  She  should  plan 
for  it  as  for  any  other  duty,  and  will  gain  by  the 
ability  to  accomplish  more. 

Near  noon  is  the  best  time  for  resting;  let  it  fol- 
low the  bath,  if  taken.  Then  she  is  refreshed  for 
her  dinner  and  afternoon  occupations.  This  habit 
can  not  be  too  religiously  observed.  If  she  can 
rest  better  alone,  she  should  go  by  herself,  and 
never  be  disturbed.  Some  people  can  sleep  better 
to  lie  down,  where  others  are  talking  or  reading. 
The  hum  of  voices  quiets  them  by  diverting  their 
own  thoughts.  I knew  one  mother  that  could  only 
get  a nap  in  the  day-time,  even  if  she  had  been  de- 
prived of  much  sleep,  by  lying  down  in  the  room 
where  her  children  were  playing.  Nothing  they 
could  do,  except  to  quarrel,  would  disturb  her. 
They  could  laugh,  sing,  scream  and  jump — she 
would  sleep  soundly,  but  if  one  wrangling  word 
passed  between  them  she  was  instantly  aroused. 

Do  not  acquire  the  habit  of  sleeping  in  a chair; 
more  speedy  restoration  is  given  to  lie  flat  upon 
the  back,  without  a pillow. 

In  summing  up  the  hygienic  conditions  that  will 
give  to  a woman  the  greatest  immunity  from  suf- 
fering during  pregnancy,  will  prepare  her  for  a safe 
and  comparatively  easy  delivery,  and  insure  a 


158 


GENERAX.  REVIEW. 


speedy  recovery,  it  must  be  remembered  that  her 
dress  must  give, 

1.  Freedom  of  movements. 

2.  Absence  of  pressure  upon  any  part  ol  the 
body. 

3.  No  more  weight  than  is  essential  for  warmth, 
and  both  weight  and  warmth  be  evenly  distrib- 
uted. 

4.  While  decoration  and  elegance  are  desirable, 
they  should  not  sacrifice  comfort  and  convenience. 

These  requirements  necessitate  looseness,  light- 
ness and  warmth,  which  can  be  obtained  from  the 
Union  under-clothes,  a princesse  skirt  and  dress 
with  a shoe  that  allows  full  development  and  use 
of  the  foot. 

Let  the  diet  be  light,  plain  and  nutritious. 
Avoiding  foods  that  contain  a great  amount  of  car- 
bonates and  phosphates,  relying  mainly  upon  fruits, 
and  those  rich  in  nitrates.  Bilious  and  inflam- 
matory conditions  are  overcome,  the  development 
of  bone  in  the  fetus  lessened,  and  muscles  neces- 
sary in  labor  nourished  and  strengthened. 

Exercise  should  be  sufficient  and  of  such  a char- 
acter as  will  bring  into  action  gently  every  muscle  of 
the  body;  but  must  particularly  develop  the  muscles 
of  the  trunk,  abdomen  and  groin  that  are  of  special 
importance  in  labor.  Exercise  more  than  any  other 
means  assists  assimilative  processes  and  stimulates 
the  organs  of  excretion  to  healthy  action  they  should 
be  taken  faithfully  and  systematically. 

Bathing  must  be  frequent  and  regular.  Unless 
in  special  conditions  better  results  are  obtained  from 


BESUiTS  OBTAINED. 


159 


tepid  or  cold  bathing,  which  invigorates  the  system, 
and  overcomes  nervousness.  The  sitz-bath  is  the 
best  therapeutic  and  hygienic  measure  within  the 
reach  of  the  pregnant  woman. 

Living  much  of  the  time  out  ot  doors  and  always 
having  abundance  of  pure  air  in  the  house,  with 
regular  rest  and  immunity  from  the  sexual  rela- 
tion, conditions  have  been  made  to  overcome 
many  of  previous  infractions  of  law,  as  well  as 
giving  a healthy,  natural,  painless  parturition. 

Then  pregnancy,  by  every  true  woman  will  be 
desired,  and  instead  of  being  a period  of  disease, 
suffering  and  direful  forebodings,  will  become  a 
period  of  health,  exalted  pleasure  and  holiest  antic- 
ipations. Motherhood  will  be  deemed  the  choicest 
of  earth’s  blessings;  women  will  rejoice  in  a glad 
maternity  and  for  any  self-denial  will  be  compen- 
sated by  healthy,  happy,  buoyant,  grateful  chil- 
dren. 

Elizabeth  Cady  Stanton,  in  a lecture  to  ladies, 
thus  strongly  states  her  views  regarding  maternity 
and  painless  parturition: 

“We  must  educate  our  daughters  to  think  that 
motherhood  is  grand,  and  that  God  never  cursed  it. 
And  the  curse,  if  it  be  a curse,  may  be  rolled  off, 
as  a man  has  rolled  away  the  curse  of  labor;  as  the 
curse  has  been  rolled  from  the  descendants  of  Ham. 
My  mission  among  women  is  to  preach  this  new 
gospel.  If  you  suffer,  it  is  not  because  yon  are 
cursed  of  God,  but  because  you  violate  his  laws. 
What  an  incubus  it  would  take  from  woman  could 
she  be  educated  to  know  that  the  pains  of  maternity 


160 


MBS.  STANTON  S TESTIMONY. 


are  no  curse  upon  her  kind.  "We  know  that  among 
Indians  the  squaws  do  not  suffer  in  childbirth. 
They  will  step  aside  from  the  ranks,  even  on  the 
march,  and  return  in  a short  time  bearing  with 
them  the  new-born  child.  What  an  absurdity, 
then,  to  suppose  that  only  enlightened  Christian 
women  are  cursed.  But  one  word  of  fact  is  worth 
a volume  of  philosophy;  let  me  give  you  some  of 
my  own  experience.  I am  the  mother  of  seven 
children.  My  girlhood  was  spent  mostly  in  the 
open  air.  I early  imbibed  the  idea  that  a girl  is 
just  as  good  as  a boy,  and  I carried  it  out.  I would 
walk  five  miles  before  breakfast,  or  ride  ten  on 
horseback.  After  I was  married,  I wore  my  cloth- 
ing sensibly.  Their  weight  hung  entirely  on  my 
shoulders.  I never  compressed  my  body  out  of  its 
natural  shape.  When  my  first  four  children  were 
born,  I suffered  very  little.  I then  made  up  my 
mind  that  it  was  totally  unnecessary  for  me  to 
suffer  at  all;  so  I dressed  lightly,  walked  every 
day,  lived  as  much  as  possible  in  the  open  air, 
ate  no  condiments,  and  took  proper  care  of 
myself.  The  night  before  the  birth  of  the  child  I 
walked  three  miles.  The  child  was  born  without  a 
particle  of  pain.  I bathed  it  and  dressed  it  myself, 
and  it  weighed  ten  and  one  half  pounds.  That  same 
day  I dined  with  the  family.  Everybody  said  I 
would  surely  die,  but  I never  had  a moment’s 
inconvenience  from  it.  I know  this  is  not  being 
delicate  and  refined,  but  if  you  would  be  vigorous 
and  healthy,  in  spite  of  the  diseases  of  your  ances- 


MBS.  STANTON’S  TESTIMONY. 


161 


tors,  and  your  own  disregard  of  nature’s  laws, 
try  it.” 

Every  woman  can  not  attain  to  as  perfect  health 
as  Mrs.  Stanton,  for  all  have  not  as  good  conditions 
of  heredity,  nor  did  all  learn  early  that  a “ Girl  is 
as  good  as  a boy.”  Mothers  in  earnest  for  the  best 
good  of  their  children,  will  by  constant  purpose 
and  deliberate  effort,  approximate  the  high  stand- 
ard she  established,  and  emulate  her  example  in 
using  the  means  to  enhance  desired  results. 

“ For  life  is  not  to  live,  but  to  be  well.” 


CHAPTER  XIIL 


PARTCRITIOiT. 

“ The  hoar  arrives,  the  moment  wished  and  feared; 

The  child  is  born  by  many  a pang  endured! 

And  now  the  mother’s  ear  ha*  caught  his  cry; 

Oh ! Grant  the  cherub  to  her  asking  eye ! 

He  comes — she  clasps  him;  to  her  bosom  pressed, 

He  drinks  the  balm  of  life,  and  drops  to  rest.” 

Pregnancy  terminates  in  the  birth  of  the  fetus 
about  the  280th  day. 

A few  days  preceding  labor,  there  is  usually  a 
muco-sanguineous  discharge  from  the  vagina. 

This  is  called  the  show.  It  indicates  dilata- 
tion of  the  cervix  and  relaxation  of  the  vagina. 
This  is  often  accompanied  by  malaise  and  restless- 
ness. 

In  96  per  cent  of  all  cases,  the  head  is  the  pre- 
senting part.  At  first  the  long  diameter  of  the 
head  is  in  the  oblique  diameter  of  the  pelvis,  as  it 
passes  in  the  inferior  straight,  turns  so  as  to  lie 
across  from  back  to  front,  the  chin  presses  upon  the 
breast,  and  the  crown  of  the  head  advances. 

Labor  is  effected  by  contraction  of  the  uterine 
and  abdominal  muscles.  In  the  first  stage  the 
cervix  uteri  is  dilated.  In  the  second,  expulsive 
efforts  occur,  causing  the  advance  and  birth  of  the 
child.  The  action  of  the  uterus  in  expelling  the 
fetus  is  analagous  to  that  of  the  alimentary  canal 
(182) 


RATIONALE  OF  LABOR,  163 

in  expelling  its  contents.  In  each  case  the  abdom- 
inal muscles  powerfully  co-operate  with  the  oeris- 
taltic  action  of  the  organ  The  uterine  contraction, 
once  established,  continues  intermittently  until  the 
contents  are  expelled.  These  contractions  are  usu- 
ally attended  and  recognized  by  pain.  They  are 
called  labor  pains.  There  is  no  doubt  that  the 
slightest  pain  attendant  upon  labor  is  abnormal.  It 
has  been  shown  in  other  chapters  that  most  wom- 
en can  approximate  a condition  in  which  there 
shall  be  no  suffering  in  childbirth. 

The  first  pains  are  grinding,  scattered  and  irreg- 
ular, felt  mostly  in  the  anterior  portion  of  the 
pelvis  and  groin.  Dilatation  of  the  os  being  af- 
fected they  are  felt  in  the  abdomen.  As  the  head 
advances  there  is  great  suffering  in  back,  hips  and 
groin,  with  a disposition  to  bear  down.  This  dis- 
position need  never  be  urged  by  attendants  or 
forced  by  the  patient.  Nature  indicates  all  effort 
essential  to  progress. 

The  membranes  which  enclose  the  fetus  and 
liquor-amnii  protrude  through  the  os  when  dil- 
atation is  effected.  These  are  termed  the  bag  of 
waters.  They  precede  the  head,  preparing  the  way 
for  it,  and  lessening  the  liability  of  contusion  of 
the  soft  parts.  These  membranes  usually  rupture 
with  an  expulsive  effort,  before  the  close  of  the  la- 
bor. The  uterus  then  contracts  firmly  on  the  body 
of  the  child  and  labor  advances  rapidly  to  comple- 
tion. 

The  physician  requires  the  assistance  of  but  one 
attendant  besides  the  husband.  This  should  be  an 


164; 


GENERAI,  REQUIREMENTS. 


educated  nurse  or  a friend,  who  can  command  herself 
in  emergencies.  The  old  time  custom  of  having  a 
neighborhood  party  on  the  occasion  of  an  increase 
in  the  family,  has  happily  gone  out  of  date.  The 
conversation  should  be  cheery  and  foreign  to  the 
occasion.  Obscene  anecdotes  and  direful  childbirth 
experiences  should  be  avoided.  During  the  entire 
process  of  parturition,  the  patient  should  have  the 
advantage  of  pleasant,  comfortable  and  sanative 
surroundings.  Her  mind  should  be  free  from  care 
and  anxiety.  The  best  in  the  house  should  be  ap- 
propriated to  her  use.  Her  room  should  be  light 
and  airy.  Every  necessity  and  convenience  should 
be  in  readiness  for  the  occasion.  Have  an  abun- 
dant supply  of  soft  rags.  They  should  be  large  and 
clean.  Kemove  the  seams  and  buttons.  Old  sheets 
torn  in  quarters  are  the  most  desirable.  Provide 
two  yards  of  rubber  cloth,  a fountain  syringe,  anti- 
septic absorbent  cotton,  glycerine,  arnica,  ammo- 
nia, carbolic  and  castile  soap,  olive  butter  and  cos- 
moline. 

Make  the  bed  as  if  one  was  going  to  sleep  in  it. 
Place  the  rubber  cloth  over  the  undersheet.  Cover 
it  with  an  old  quilt  or  comfort  that  will  wash  easily. 
Have  the  bed  set  out  from  the  wall  so  that  both 
sides  can  be  used.  Prepare  the  side  for  the  patient 
that  will  enable  the  physician  to  use  the  right 
hand. 

Let  the  patient  wear  the  garments  she  desires  to 
have  on  after  confinement,  having  care  to  protect 
them  by  folding  back  smoothly,  and  fastening  a 
-sheet  loosely  about  the  waist.  After  labor  begins, 


PI. Am  DIRECTIONS. 


165 


she  should  avoid  taking  any  but  liquid  food.  The 
bladder  should  be  relieved  frequently.  If  the 
bowels  have  not  been  moved  within  twenty-four 
hours,  let  her  take  a copious  enema. 

Until  the  last  stage,  the  patient  can  assume  any 
position  affording  the  most  comfort.  Usually,  she 
is  inclined  to  change  frequently,  sitting,  lying, 
walking  and  even  kneeling.  When  expulsive  ef- 
forts occur,  she  ordinarily  prefers  to  recline  upon 
her  back,  with  knees  flexed  and  hips  elevated.  At 
this  time,  she  naturally  pushes  with  her  feet  and 
pulls  with  her  hands.  A padded  box  should  be 
firmly  fixed  at  the  foot  of  the  bed  for  the  feet.  She 
can  grasp  the  hand  of  an  assistant,  or  have  some 
reliable  mechanical  contrivance  for  her  hands.  The 
simplest  is  a strip  of  new  muslin,  ten  inches  wide, 
put  around  the  foot  of  the  bed,  and  tied,  leaving  it 
the  desired  length  for  a good  purchase.  In  a pro- 
longed labor,  the  obstetric  harness  is  the  most  valu- 
able assistance.  This  is  a padded  belt  for  the  back, 
with  straps  extending  to  the  knees  and  feet.  From 
the  knees  are  counter  straps,  with  handles  for  the 
hands.  With  this  simple  contrivance,  a physician 
can  take  a woman  through  a prolonged  labor  with- 
out any  other  assistance. 

A natural  labor  needs  no  manual  local  interfer- 
ence. Meddlesome  midwifery  is  always  to  be  dep- 
recated. Many  authors  and  teachers  recommend 
support  to  the  perineum  in  the  last  stages.  This 
is  unnecessary.  More  ruptures  are  occasioned  by 
this  practice,  than  leaving  it  entirely  untouched. 
A Canadian  physician  asserts  that  he  has  attended 


166 


ESTABLISH  KESPIBATIOH. 


1,700  women  in  confinement,  and  never  had  a rupt- 
ure, and  never  supported  the  perineum. 

When  the  head  is  born  receive  it  in  the  hand  and 
support  it  until  the  shoulders  are  expelled.  If  the 
next  contraction  does  not  bring  them,  put  a finger 
in  the  axilla  of  the  fetus  and  make  slight  traction. 
The  whole  body  will  soon  be  born.  Pass  both  hands 
under  the  child  and  lay  it  as  far  from  the  mother  as 
possible  without  stretching  the  cord.  Place  it  upon 
the  right  side,  shoulders  and  head  slightly  eleva- 
ted. W ipe  any  mucus  there  may  be  from  mouth  and 
nostrils.  Cover  baby  with  a warm  soft  flannel. 
Make  the  mother  comfortable.  Change  her  posi- 
tion, straighten  the  bed,  put  dry  cloths  to  her,  give 
her  a drink,  etc.,  leaving  the  infant  until  the  pulsa- 
tion has  entirely  ceased  in  the  cord.  This  will  re- 
quire from  ten  minutes  to  half  an  hour. 

Usually  as  the  child  is  ushered  into  the  world,  it 
sets  up  a lusty  cry,  indicating  that  respiration  is 
established.  Crying  is  not  essential,  as  some  au- 
thors claim,  and  the  prompt  covering  usually  causes 
it  to  desist.  If  it  does  not  breathe  at  once,  a little 
brisk  spatting  on  the  breast  and  thigh  may  establish 
respiration.  If  this  is  not  effectual,  dash  cold  water 
in  the  face  and  on  the  chest.  Still  failing,  artificial 
respiration  must  be  established.  To  do  this,  close 
the  nostrils  with  two  fingers,  blow  into  the  mouth 
and  then  expel  the  air  from  the  lungs  by  gentle 
pressure  upon  the  chest.  Continue  this  as  long  as 
there  is  hope  ot  life.  When  pulsation  has  entirely 
ceased  in  the  cord,  sever  about  two  inches  from  the 


TYING  OF  CORD  USELESS. 


167 


child’s  navel,  using  a dull  pair  of  scissors.  Follow- 
ing these  directions  no  tying  is  essential. 

This  method  has  its  advantages.  By  tying,  a small 
amount  of  blood  is  retained  in  vessels  peculiar  to 
fetal  life.  This  blood  by  pressure  or  irritation 
may  prevent  perfect  closure  of  the  foramen  ovale, 
and  be  a cause  of  hemorrhage.  Besides  it  must  be 
absorbed  in  the  system,  causing  jaundice  and  aph- 
thae, so  common  in  young  babes.  This  treatment 
is  contrary  to  that  used  by  most  physicians,  and 
there  are  prejudices  existing  against  adopting  it. 
I first  heard  of  this  manner  of  treating  the  cord  in 
1870.  It  was  so  clearly  explained  that  I was  con- 
vinced that  leaving  the  cord  untied  would  result  in 
great  gain  to  the  child.  Still  my  education  and 
habit  had  been  to  the  contrary,  and  my  prejudices 
prevented  my  venturing  upon  the  new  method.  A 
few  years  after  this  I met  a German  physician  who 
had  not  tied  a cord  in  eighteen  years.  He  said: 
“Don’t  be  afraid;  your  babies  will  do  better,  and 
there  is  less  danger  of  losing  them.’’  I tested  it 
and  proved  to  my  own  satisfaction  'hat  it  is  the 
best  method.  One  has  only  to  recollect  to  wait 
until  ike  pulsation  in  the  cord  ceases  entirely  and 
sever  as  before  stated. 

Bub  the  baby  all  over  with  olive  butter  or  olive 
oil,  lay  it  in  its  crib,  cover  it  warmly  and  leave  it 
to  rest  and  sleep.  By  no  means  wash  and  dress 
as  soon  as  it  is  loom.  Consider  the  marvelous 
change  that  has  taken  place  in  all  its  functions. 
Bespiration  is  established,  and  the  blood,  instead  of 
going  to  the  placenta  for  oxygenation,  goes  to  the 


168 


BIRTH  OF  PLACENTA. 


lungs;  the  stomach  and  all  the  organs  of  digestion 
are  brought  into  action,  as  well  as  the  skin  with  its 
innumerable  perspiratory  ducts.  Give  nature  time 
to  establish  these  processes  before  the  system  is 
taxed  by  being  washed  and  dressed.  An  Indian 
papoose  might  be  plunged  into  water  at  once  with- 
out detriment,  but  no  white  baby  of  this  country 
has  sufficient  vitality  to  safely  undergo  this  shock. 
While  the  baby  is  resting  the  mother  demands  es- 
pecial attention.  Contraction  of  the  uterus  will 
soon  be  renewed  to  expel  the  placenta.  There  is 
no  definite  time  for  this  to  be  effected.  Usually 
the  pains  do  not  recur  for  half  an  hour,  and  it  may 
be  two  hours  before  the  after-birth  is  expelled. 
Should  there  be  no  hemorrhage  and  the  walls  of  the 
uterus  contract,  there  is  no  cause  for  uneasiness. 

The  placenta  does  not  adhere  as  often  as  some 
suppose.  If  attached  there  is  seldom  danger  from 
delay  in  removal  unless  there  is  hemorrhage. 

Contractions  of  the  uterus  can  be  induced  by 
manipulating  the  abdomen  after  dipping  the  hands 
in  cold  water,  or  laying  cloths  wrung  from  cold 
water  upon  the  bowels.  Also  the  patient  may 
blow  in  her  closed  hand,  or  give  a slight  cough. 
If  there  is  hemorrhage  the  vein  of  the  umbilical 
cord  should  be  injected  with  cold  water.  This, 
in  many  cases,  removes  a retained  placenta. 
When  the  after-birth  is  expelled  it  should  be  burned 
or  buried.  The  mother  then  must  be  bathed  in 
tepid  water,  sponging  carefully  back,  abdomen, 
thighs  and  perineum.  Lav  a cloth  to  the  vulva 
wrung  from  a lotion  of  arnica,  one  tablespoonful 


BANDAGE  UNNECESSARY. 


169 


to  a quart  of  water.  If  there  is  soreness  in  the 
pelvic  region  a compress  wet  in  the  same  lotion  can 
be  worn. 

The  'parturient  woman  requires  no  bandage.  If 
a compress  is  needed  a towel  can  be  pinned  around 
to  keep  it  in  place.  Also  if  there  is  discomfort 
from  undue  enlargement  and  relaxation  of  the  ab- 
domen, a bandage  applied  loosely  will  give  relief. 
Otherwise  no  bandage  is  essential.  The  common 
belief  that  it  restores  a woman’s  form  is  a mistake. 
She  returns  to  her  former  size  better  without  than 
with  it.  If  worn  at  all  snug  it  is  likely  to  cause 
inflammation  that  will  produce  bloating.  It  also 
presses  the  uterus  down  in  the  pelvis  and  in  the 
relaxed  condition  of  all  the  parts  is  liable  to  cause 
prolapsus  uteri.  A parturient  woman  makes  a 
more  speedy  and  excellent  recovery  without  the 
bandage. 

After  the  bathing,  replace  the  quilts  and  cloths 
with  fresh  ones.  Apply  a large  cloth  to  the  vulva, 
make  the  bed  look  tidy  and  leave  the  patient  to 
rest.  The  house  should  be  made  quiet  and  every 
means  used  to  encourage  complete  repose.  If  it  is 
night,  let  the  attendants  retire,  darken  the  room, 
the  nurse  remaining  within  call. 

In  case  of  thirst  let  her  have  cold  or  hot  water, 
weak  tea  or  thin  gruel,  as  she  feels  inclined. 
Ordinarily  she  needs  no  remedies.  Nature  simply 
demands  rest.  Only  a few  years  since  a woman 
was  not  allowed  to  go  to  sleep  until  she  had  taken 
a bowl  of  panada  and  the  inevitable  dose  of  castor 
oil.  One  woman  told  me  she  dreaded  the  castor 


170 


NO  DRUGS  REQUIRED. 


oil  more  tlian  having  the  baby.  It  is  unneces- 
sary and  likely  to  produce  harm.  For  a few 
days  torpidity  of  the  bowels  is  natural,  and  if  forced 
to  action  inflammation  is  likely  to  result.  Do  not 
be  influenced  to  take  any  drug.  Simply  rest. 
Surely  at  no  time  in  one’s  life  is  rest  so  sweet  as  it 
is  after  passing  through  the  thrues  of  maternity. 


CHAPTER  XIY. 


DIFFICULT  LABOR. 

In  the  preceding  chapter  directions  were  given 
for  the  management  of  a natural  labor.  In  the 
chance  absence  of  the  doctor,  one  with  presence  of 
mind,  possessing  this  knowledge,  can  conduct  a 
case  satisfactorily.  While  it  is  not  expected  to  sup- 
plant the  place  of  a physician,  or  to  dwell  upon  dif- 
ficult parturition,  a few  practical  hints  for  emer- 
gencies may  be  of  advantage. 

One  not  having  had  the  “ fruit  diet  ” and  other 
hygienic  measures  recommended  in  the  preceding 
pages,  or  on  account  of  disease  and  deformity  not 
having  been  able  to  accomplish  as  much  for  herself 
as  desired,  prolonged  and  difficult  labor  may  result. 
In  malformations  of  pelvis,  in  face  or  shoulder 
presentations,  placenta  previa,  etc.,  surgical  inter- 
ference will  be  required. 

Muscular  contractions  may  be  inefficient  or  the 
os  slow  to  dilate  from  rigidity.  Caustic  treatment 
so  prevalent  for  ulceration  destroys  the  natural 
elasticity  of  the  cervix.  Severe  and  prolonged  suf- 
fering without  dilatation  is  often  the  consequence. 
The  time  must  come  when  people  will  protest 
against  the  burning  of  mucous  surfaces  as  they  now 
protest  against  blistering  and  bleeding,  that  only  a 
few  years  since  was  universal. 

(171) 


172 


HOT  8ITZ  BATH. 


The  head  advancing  may  meet  with  resistance 
from  dryness,  heat  and  rigidity  of  external  parts. 

The  hot  sitz-hath  is  the  best  means  to  overcome 
rigidity  of  both  os  and  vulva,  and  to  relieve  pains 
that  are  neuralgic  in  character.  Seat  the  patient 
in  a sitz  bath-tub,  containing  very  hot  water.  Her 
feet  also  in  a hot  foot  bath.  Envelop  her  with 
blankets  and  increase  the  temperature  of  the  water 
as  she  can  bear  it.  Let  her  remain  until  profuse 
perspiration  is  induced.  Dry  her  under  the  blank- 
ets and  let  her  lie  down  without  removing  them. 
Sometimes  she  can  remain  in  the  bath  an  hour  with 
advantage,  though  a shorter  time  is  usually  suffi- 
cient. The  pains  entirely  or  partially  subside  and 
she  seldom  fails  to  fall  into  a refreshing  sleep. 
Local  relaxation  will  be  accomplished,  the  pains 
assume  an  effective  character,  and  a speedy  termi- 
nation of  the  case  can  be  expected.  To  accomplish 
the  desired  result  the  bath  must  be  hot , not  warm, 
and  continued  until  perspiration  is  induced.  "When 
prolonged  labor  results  from  rigidity  of  the  soft 
parts,  good  and  speedy  results  are  sure  to  follow. 

“ Hotes  from  Practice,”  published  in  a western 
medical  journal,  prove  the  value  of  the  hot  bath. 

Case  1.  Mrs.  H — engaged  my  services  for  the 
seventh  confinement,  stating  that  I might  expect  a 
tedious  case  as  in  all  previous  labors  the  skill  of 
physicians  had  been  baffled.  She  had  lingered  in 
labor  from  48  to  96  hours,  attended  with  convul- 
sions and  other  distressing  symptoms;  several  times 
had  been  delivered  with  instruments.  Summons 
came  for  me  on  a bright  J une  morning  at  5 o’clock. 


REMARKABLE  CASE. 


173 


She  had  had  irregular  pains  all  night,  was  very 
nervous  and  had  great  dread  of  her  sufferings,  hav- 
ing no  hope  of  relief  for  at  least  two  days.  I found 
no  dilatation,  and  pains  resembled  false  pains. 

I gave  her  aconite  and  ciraicifiga  hoping  to  ar- 
rest the  pains  until  relaxation  could  be  produced, 
and  left  her.  At  ten  o’clock  returned  armed  with 
one  of  Dickens’  novels  for  two  days  pastime. 
Found  the  pains  increased  in  severity,  attended  with 
rigidity  of  os,  still  no  dilatation  and  pressure  of 
uterus  upward.  Although  a woman  of  great  self- 
control,  she  could  not  repress  the  most  piercing 
screams.  Administered  a hot  sitz-bath,  increasing 
the  temperature  until  most  copious  perspiration 
was  induced,  after  which  enveloping  her  in  blank- 
ets, told  her  to  go  to  sleep,  while  1 sat  down  to 
Dickens.  She  obeyed  orders,  slept  soundly,  having 
pains  about  every  fifteen  minutes  and  instead  of 
the  screams  she  would  exclaim,  “ What  relief!  ” 
“ Heaven  surely  can  be  no  sweeter  than  this  rest.” 
“What  a blissful  change!  ” I would  say,  “Don’t 
talk,  don’t  bear  down,  sleep  all  you  can,”  and  still 
read  Dickens.  About  one  o’clock  expulsive  pains 
came  on,  examination  revealed  full  dilatation  of 
cervix  and  head  advancing.  At  3:30  p.  m.  the  child 
was  born,  no  spasms,  no  instruments,  no  medicine 
after  the  birth.  This  is  only  one  of  many  that  I 
have  relieved  in  the  same  way,  and  always  find  it 
effectual  if  there  is  no  mechanical  obstruction.  I 
believe  this  hot  bath  would  save  thousands  of  in- 
strumental deliveries. 

She  was  a very  grateful  patient,  and  believes  the 


174  NO  CHLOROFORM  REQUIRED. 

same  means  would  have  given  relief  in  former 
labors,  as  the  first  symptoms  were  the  same.  The 
only  unpleasant  sequel  in  the  case  was,  the  novel 
remained  unfinished. 

Case  2.  Mrs.  L — , primipara,  aged  thirty -three, 
a severe  tedious  labor  with  slow  dilatation.  Gave 
the  hot  bath  with  the  happiest  effect,  patient,  nprse 
and  doctor  all  went  to  sleep.  Pains  continued,  ac- 
companied by  profuse  perspiration,  but  for 
two  hours  did  not  awaken  the  patient.  Expulsive 
pains  setting  in,  labor  was  completed  in  one  hour. 
It  was,  however,  almost  immediately  followed  by  vi- 
olent hemorrhage  inducing  fainting.  Examination 
revealed  placenta  attached,  the  fibres  so  closely  ad- 
hered to  the  uterus  that  the  least  attempt  at  re- 
moval caused  the  greatest  suffering.  She  pleaded 
for  rest,  and  while  waiting  for  chloroform  the 
placenta  was  grasped  and  brought  down  in  the 
cervix  to  prevent  its  contraction.  This  gave  re- 
lief, and  there  being  no  siunptoms  ,of  internal 
hemorrhage,'  was  left  for  a few  hours.  The  pla- 
centa was  expelled  in  about  twelve  hours  without 
assistance,  and  the  patient  made  a rapid  recov- 
ery. At  the  time  I thought  the  excessive  relaxa- 
tion from  the  bath  caused  the  flowing,  but  I now 
think  it  was  only  exposure  of  the  blood  vessels 
from  the  partial  adhesion  of  the  placenta.  Its  re- 
moval from  the  body  of  the  womb  allowed  the  or- 
gan to  contract  upon  the  exposed  blood  vessels  and 
arrest  bleeding. 

The  hot  bath  is  also  effectual  for  flagging  pains 
that  are  annoying  and  worrying  and  “ seem  to  do  no 


EMMENAGOGUES  DEPRECATED. 


175 


good.”  In  such  cases  the  patient  takes  a long  rest 
after  the  hath,  and  real  contractions  and  expulsive 
efforts  may  not  occur  for  hours  or  even  days.  This 
gives  nature  time  to  overcome  all  obstacles,  and  the 
final  termination  is  more  satisfactory. 

For  insufficient  contractions,  physicians  of 
all  schools  administer  ergot,  cohosh,  etc.  These 
cause  vielent  uterine  contractions  and  great 
expulsive  efforts.  If  the  soft  parts  are  relaxed, 
labor  will  be  facilitated.  If  not,  great  injury 
may  be  done.  Rupture  of  the  uterus  and  lacera- 
tion of  the  perineum  are  frequently  the  consequence. 
The  effects  after  confinement  are  more  disastrous  if 
possible.  Among  these  are  violent  hemorrhage, 
puerperal  peritonitis,  which  runs  a rapid  course, 
cellulitis,  milk  leg,  nervous  chills,  gathered  breasts, 
etc. 

The  following  are  only  a few  of  the  toxicological 
symptoms  of  a dose  of  ergot  taken  by  a person  in 
health : 

Rigors,  pinched  pale  countenance,  extreme  anx- 
iety,  great  fear  of  death,  violent  headache  with 
stupor,  loss  of  voluntary  motion,  spasmodic  jerking, 
sudden  paralysis,  debility  and  fainting,  cold,  dry, 
shriveled  skin,  knotted  veins,  tongue  cold,  livid  and 
pale,  vomiting  violent , enlargement  and  pain  in 
the  liver,  watery  diarrhoea,  swelling  of  the  limbs 
with  cold  surface,  violent , cramp-like , intermittent 
pains  in  the  pelvis  and  groin,  hemorrhage,  conges- 
tion of  the  womb,  local  gangrene. 

Macbotis,  or  black  cohosh,  causes  weak  but  rapid 
pulse,  pains  in  the  back  with  debility,  rheumatic 


176 


BEGOT OOHOSH. 


pains  in  the  muscles,  limbs  seem  powerless,  draw- 
ing pains  with  trembling,  great  restlessness,  head- 
ache with  soreness  of  the  eyes  and  base  of  the  brain, 
heat  and  pain  in  the  top  of  the  head,  dimness  of 
vision  with  objects  floating  before  the  eyes,  prick- 
ling of  the  skin,  cold  extremities,  bruised  feeling  all 
over,  dizziness,  sleeplessness,  loss  of  memory,  great 
nervousness  resulting  in  hysteria,  vomiting,  leu- 
corrhea,  hemorrhage,  etc.  Both  of  these  drugs  are 
violent  in  their  action  and^poisonous  in  the  doses 
usually  administered.  It  is  rare  one  recovers  en- 
tirely from  their  effects.  They  cause  uterine  in- 
flammation, ulceration,  displacements,  etc.,  that  are 
accompanied  by  amaurosis,  loss  of  memory,  head- 
ache and  many  nervous  symptoms  which  are  attrib- 
uted to  the  “ last  confinement”  As  one  values 
good  health  never  take  these  remedies  in  poisonous 
doses. 

If  uterine  contractions  can  not  be  increased  by 
the  hot  bath  or  cold  compresses  placed  on  the  abdo- 
men, an  attenuated  dose  of  the  drug  will  be  fol- 
lowed with  as  speedy  results  as  a cup  full  of  in- 
fusion or  a drachm  of  fluid  extract  and  the  toxi- 
cological effect  will  be  avoided. 

Protest  positively  and  persistently  against 
taking  a poisonous  dose  of  ergot  or  black  cohosh. 
Better  wait  for  nature  than  suffer  the  effects  that 
are  sure  to  follow. 

Instruments  will  rarely  be  called  in  use  if  women 
learn  the  laws  of  life  and  obey  them. 

Even  as  malformed  and  diseased  as  women  are, 
instruments  are  resorted  to  far  more  frequently 


INSTRUMENTS. 


177 


than  necessary.  There  is  a feeling  in  the  profes- 
sion that  dexterous  instrumental  delivery  often  saves 
women  suffering  and  consequent  nervous  prostra- 
tion. Most  women,  however,  have  a horror  of 
forceps,  and  this,  with  the  temporary  increased  suf- 
fering aggravates  rather  than  lessens  the  prostration. 
Remember  the  physician  has  selfish  temptations  for 
instrumental  interference.  It  entitles  him  to  an 
extra  fee,  it  saves  him  time  and  possibly  gives  him 
eclat  as  an  accoucheur. 

In  most  cases  where^nstruments  are  now  used, 
speedy  results  could  be  obtained  from  the  hot  sitz- 
bath,  without  danger  of  subsequent  difficulties. 
Occasionally  a case  may  require  instruments,  but 
the  experience  of  many  successful  physicians,  es- 
pecially the  women  in  the  profession,  prove,  that  if 
there  is  careful  preparatory  treatment  artificial  de- 
livery need  seldom  be  called  in  requisition. 

In  several  hundred  obstetric  cases  in  my  own 
practice,  instruments  were  never  required  where  the 
previous  preparation  of  the  patient  was  under  di- 
rection. 

Women  have  it  in  their  power  to  produce  such 
healthful  conditions  that  obstetrical  instruments 
shall  be  known  only  in  tradition. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


POST  PAKTE1I  TREATMENT. 

“ Mysterious  to  all  thought 
A mother’s  prime  of  bliss, 

When  to  her  eager  lips  is  brought 
Her  infant’s  thrilling  kiss.” 

After  confinement,  the  patient  should  be  bathed 
all  over  at  least  once  a day.  Use  tepid  water. 
Sponge  and  dry  a portion  of  the  body  at  a time, 
keeping  the  balance  protected.  If  she  is  restless 
or  there  is  heat  in  the  back,  it  can  be  bathed  sev- 
eral times  a day.  A compress,  too,  is  often  service- 
able, worn  across  the  back  for  two  or  three  hours, 
followed  by  bathing  and  friction.  The  breasts 
should  be  bathed  frequently,  and  the  colder  the 
water  the  better.  Three  to  five  days  after  confine- 
ment the  patient  can  be  put  into  a sitz-bath  with 
benefit.  Let  the  temperature  of  the  water  be  from 
85°  to  95°.  Change  the  linen  of  bed  and  person 
daily  and  the  napkins  every  three  or  four  hours. 
Keep  the  room  light  and  well  ventilated.  The 
temperature  of  the  room  should  never  exceed  70°. 
A few  years  since  not  a ray  of  light  or  a breath  of 
fresh  air  was  allowed  in  the  parturient  room,  and  if 
the  woman  was  to  touch  cold  water  it  was  deemed 
sure  death.  In  some  parts  of  this  country  within 
twenty  years  the  bed  even  was  not  changed  for  nine 
days  after  confinement.  With  frequent  Dathing 
(178) 


BATHING FOOD. 


179 


and  a constant  supply  of  fresh  air  the  patient  will 
not  be  sensitive  to  cold,  and  inflammation  in  con- 
sequence will  be  rare. 

The  vagina  must  be  syringed  at  least  twice  a day 
with  water  in  which  there  are  a few  drops  of  carbolic 
acid.  Use  a fountain  syringe  and  have  the  patient 
recline  over  a bed  pan.  This  will  keep  the  parts 
cleansed,  and  the  carbolic  acid  prevents  septic 
poisoning.  If  the  bowels  do  not  move  naturally  by 
the  third  or  fourth  day  give  an  enema,  one  quart 
of  tepid  water.  The  regimen  advised  in  this  book 
having  been  followed,  one  will  rarely  be  troubled 
with  constipation.  Beware  of  cathartics.  Most  of 
them  have  a specific  action  upon  the  uterus  as  well 
as  the  bowels  and  will  do  harm.  This  is  notably 
the  case  with  aloes  and  podophyllum. 

Until  after  the  milk  is  established,  \h&food  must 
be  simple  in  character  and  easy  of  digestion.  Bran 
or  graham  gruel  is  the  very  best  food  the  first  day 
or  two.  If  it  has  been  withheld  from  the  diet  dur- 
ing pregnancy  on  account  of  the  phosphates  it  con- 
tains having  a tendency  to  harden  the  bones,  it 
should  be  taken  for  that  very  purpose  now.  Many 
are  prejudiced  against  graham  gruel,  yet  it  has  been 
proven  that  most  women  relish  it  better  than  any- 
thing else  after  labor. 

In  the  Home  of  Friendless,  Leavenworth,  Kan., 
are  many  cases  of  confinement  every  year.  Almost 
universally  the  inmates  are  prejudiced  against  gra- 
ham in  any  form  and  rarely  taste  it  before  confine- 
ment. A former  matron  had  been  a nurse  in  a 
Water  oGure.  Invariably  she  brought  a bowl  of 


180 


GRAHAM  GBtTEL. 


graham  grnel  to  the  mother  a few  hours  after  deliv- 
ery. She  never  had  one  express  any  repugnance 
for  it.  To  the  contrary  they  would  say,  “ That 
tastes  good”;  “That  goes  right  to  the  spot”; 
“ Can  any  one  eat  too  much  of  anything  that  is  so 
good?”  and  similar  expressions  showing  there  was 
an  actual  relish  for  the  dish.  The  gruel  should  be 
made  thin  at  first  and  without  cream  or  milk. 

After  a few  days  it  can  be  made  thick  like  mush 
and  eaten  with  fruit  or  cream  and  sugar.  Cracked 
wheat,  barley,  oat  meal,  graham  gems,  etc.,  can  be 
added  to  the  diet  as  desired. 

Women  have  been  led  to  expect  more  or  less 
constitutional  disturbance  accompanying  the  advent 
of  the  milk.  With  the  bathing  and  diet  recom- 
mended above,  even  if  she  has  not  had  the  best  con- 
ditions during  pregnancy  one  hardly  realizes  any 
change  in  the  system  at  that  time.  Ticere  is  no 
need  of  milk  fever.  When  patients  were  fed  on 
brandy  panada,  wine  whey,  strong  tea,  and  beef 
broth,  were  kept  in  un ventilated  rooms,  and 
deprived  of  water  externally  and  internally,  besides 
being  poisoned  with  drugs,  it  was  no  wonder  they 
had  milk  fever  and  were  liable  to  other  post- 
partem  diseases. 

The  child  should  be  placed  to  the  breast  several 
times  a day,  even  if  there  seems  to  be  no  milk. 
This  stimulates  seeretion,  prevents  any  engorge- 
ment, and  from  sympathetic  relation  causes  uterine 
contractions.  When  the  breasts  become  filled  and 
are  knotty  and  tender,  bathe  them  in  hot  water  and 
have  them  drawn.  If  the  child  does  not  empty 


MAMMARY  ABSCESS. 


181 


them  sufficiently  the  nurse  or  some  member  of  the 
family  should  do  it.  This  is  better  than  a breast 
pump,  and  can  be  easily  learned  by  remembering 
to  lap  the  tongue  around  the  nipple  until  it  meets 
the  upper  lip. 

Mammary  abscess,  or  inflammation  of  the  breast, 
is  often  called  “ gathered  ” or  “ bealed  ” breast.  Is 
usually  ushered  in  with  a chill,  succeeded  by  fever- 
ish symptoms.  Darting  pains  are  felt  in  the  breast 
which,  as  the  disease  progresses,  extend  to  the  arm- 
pits.  The  breasts  swell,  become  hard  and  tender 
to  the  touch — even  nursing  is  painfuL  If  pus 
forms,  the  skin  becomes  dark  red,  the  enlarged 
breast  softens,  accompanied  by  a throbbing  pain. 
The  patient  is  nervous,  irritable,  has  irregular  chills, 
night  sweats,  debility,  etc. 

When  the  first  threatening  symptoms  occur,  use 
promptly  and  thoroughly  hot  fomentations;  wring 
the  cloths  from  an  infusion  of  Phytolacca,  and  keep 
hot  with  the  hot  water  bottle.  If  the  fresh  root 
can  not  be  obtained  use  the  fluid  extract,  ten  drops 
to  a pint  of  water.  Keep  the  breast  well  drawn 
and  persevere  in  the  hot  applications;  suppuration 
can  usually  be  prevented. 

If  there  is  alternate  chill  and  fever  with  thirst 
and  throbbing  pulse,  take  internally  aconite  one 
drop  of  tincture,  to  ten  table  spoons  of  water.  A 
spoonful  every  half  hour. 

For  a constant  aching  in  the  bones  and  soreness 
of  the  flesh,  take  bryonia,  dose  the  same. 

Use  only  liquid  food  until  the  disease  is  surely 
arrested.  Keep  quiet  and  protected  from  drafts. 


182 


EXCORIATED  NIPPLES. 


Unless  the  suppuration  is  very  deep  the  breast 
should  never  be  lanced. 

For  excoriated  nipples,  bathe  in  a warm  borax 
lotion,  two  grains  to  one  cup  of  soft  water;  after 
which  apply  carbolated  cosmoline.  If  the  base  of 
the  nipple  is  deeply  cracked,  before  using  the  cos- 
moline,  wash  with  a solution  of  nitrate  of  silver, 
one  grain  to  two  ounces  of  water.  Protect  with  a 
shield  while  the  child  is  nursing. 

For  insufficient  milk,  drink  freely  of  new  warm 
milk.  Have  it  brought  to  the  bed,  and  drink  at 
least  a pint.  Take  it  one  or  two  hours  before 
breakfast. 

If  milk  can  not  be  obtained  possessing  animal 
warmth,  take  new  milk,  add  one  tenth  water,  and 
heat  over  a water  bath  to  a temperature  of  120 
degrees. 

Cheese  makers  testify  the  addition  of  water  pre- 
vents rennet  from  coagulating  the  casein.  In  the 
stomach  also  the  pepsin  can  not  curd  the  milk.  If 
it  is  as  warm  as  the  stomach,  and  does  not  coagu- 
late, it  will  be  taken  up  by  the  absorbents  and  con- 
veyed directly  to  the  blood,  without  going  through 
the  process  of  digestion. 

Mothers  who  have  a great  aversion  to  milk,  for 
the  sake  of  the  child  learn  to  cultivate  a de- 
cided relish  for  it.  Should  not  be  taken  at  meals. 

Dr.  P.  P.  Harris,  in  speaking  of  milk  as  a diet 
for  delicate  mothers,  says  “ Those  who  with  ordinary 
food  invariably  fail  to  nurse  longer  than  a few 
weeks  after  parturition,  by  this  diet  are  capable  of 
making  a good  nurse  out  of  the  mother,  and  also 


DRINK  NEW  MILK. 


183 


of  fattening  her  during  the  time  she  is  secreting 
the  milk  in  abundance.  "When  a delicate  mother  of 
eighty-six  pounds  weight,  after  failing  in  a month 
with  each  of  three  infants,  is  enabled  by  it  to 
nurse  a child  eighteen  months,  and  gain  at  the 
same  time  nineteen  pounds,  the  diet  must  be  an 
effective  one.” 

The  article  next  best  for  promoting  the  secretion 
of  milk  is  malta-cocoa.  This  is  made  in  a beverage 
like  cocoa.  Avoid  all  forms  of  malt  and  spirituous 
liquors.  They  derange  the  nervous  and  digestive 
systems  of  both  mother  and  child.  Good  digestion 
is  usually  all  that  is  essential  for  an  abundant  flow 
of  milk.  The  food  should  be  simple  but  nutritious. 
Depend  upon  grains  and  fruits  mainly,  and  by  no 
means  exclude  the  bran  from  the  wheat  flour.  The 
saline  elements  in  the  bran  not  only  stimulate  di- 
gestion, but  excite  the  secretion  of  milk  as  well. 
Try  the  experiment  of  feeding  an  Alderney  cow 
upon  fine  flour,  excluding  the  bran.  By  the  lack 
of  milk  you  will  prove  that  in  the  bran  are  elements 
pre-eminently  stimulating  to  lacteal  secretions. 
Oysters  eaten  raw  or  slightly  cooked  are  said  to  in- 
crease the  flow  of  milk.  Honey,  too,  often  proves 
invaluable.  Eat  honey  with  bread  and  gems,  in- 
stead of  the  carbonaceous  butter.  It  stimulates  all 
the  secretions.  It  is  evident  that  food  rich  in  phos- 
phates are  the  best  to  increase  lactiferous  flow. 
Therefore  study  well  the  food  table  in  Chapter  IX, 
and  partake  of  foods  avoided  in  pregnancy. 

In  the  first  days  after  confinement,  if  the  milk  is 
slow  to  secrete,  apply  bruised  castor  bean  leaves. 


184 


EXCESS  OF  MTT.Tf . 


Foe  excessive  flow  of  milk,  use  once  or  twice  a 
day  hot  fomentations  upon  the  breast,  and  apply 
cosmoline,  in  which  there  is  a trace  of  camphor. 
Avoid  salt  and  liquid  food.  Wear  folds  of  cotton 
batting  over  the  breast. 

Either  in  insufficient  or  excessive  flow  of  milk, 
guard  against  clothing  pressing  upon  the  breasts 
or  surrounding  parts.  It  is  absolutely  essential 
the  blood  circulates  freely  to  and  from  them. 

After  pains  are  caused  by  the  contraction  of 
the  uterus.  It  is  not  true  that  women  never  have 
them  with  the  first  child  and  always  have  them 
subsequently.  Like  most  of  the  sufferings  of  ma- 
ternity, they  are  the  effect  of  abnormal  conditions. 
Women,  who,  in  two  or  three  confinements,  have 
suffered  days  with  after  pains,  threatened  with 
spasms  and  getting  no  relief  except  by  chloroform, 
have  from  the  “ fruit  diet  ” been  delighted  to  re- 
cover without  a twinge  of  pain. 

After  pains  usually  occur  periodically  every  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes.  They  are  a cramp-like  pain 
accompanied  by  a feeling  as  if  pricked  by  many 
needles.  They  make  one  very  impatient  and 
nervous,  and  deprive  her  of  needed  rest.  They  are 
often  the  result  of  poisonous  doses  of  ergot  taken 
during  labor.  The  hot  water  bag  or  hot  fomenta- 
tions will  usually  give  relief.  Must  be  very  hot 
and  kept  hot,  consequently  dry  heat  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred. If  relief  is  not  obtained,  and  the  physician 
is  not  within  call,  inhale  ether.  Do  not  take  it  in- 
ternally. 

The  lochia  is  the  flow  from  the  vagina  that 


LOCHIA. 


185 


occurs  after  confinement.  At  first  has  the  appear- 
ance of  fresh  blood,  then  becomes  lighter  in  color 
and  finally  is  only  a glairy  mucous.  This  varies 
greatly  in  amount  and  duration.  As  a rule  the 
healthier  the  woman,  and  more  natural  the  labor, 
the  less  the  flow.  Cases  have  come  to  my 
knowledge  where  there  was  no  sanguineous  flow 
and  the  patient  made  a rapid  recovery. 

It  is  said  healthy  squaws  have  no  flow  of  blood 
with  menstruation,  or  after  delivery.  If  there  is 
no  constitutional  disturbance,  there  need  be  no 
anxiety  about  a scanty  flow.  If  caused  by  a chill, 
fever  or  inflammation,  etc.,  prompt  attention  will 
be  required,  according  to  the  disease. 

Metrorrhagia,  or  profuse  flow,  often  requires 
treatment  before  medical  aid  can  be  secured.  Hot 
fomentations  and  hot  vaginal  injections  are  the  very 
best  applications. 

Recently  the  medical  profession  recognize  that 
heat  is  better  than  cold,  to  arrest  hemorrhage.  In 
surgery,  hot  water  is  applied  to  exposed  bleeding 
vessels.  Cases  are  known  where  hot  vaginal  injec- 
tions have  instantly  arrested  bleeding,  that  had  re- 
sisted applications  of  ice,  styptics  and  the  tampon. 
An  old  lady  in  Michigan,  during  the  menopause, 
was  taken  suddenly  with  violent  hemorrhage.  For 
seven  days  and  nights  everything  was  tried  in  vain 
to  arrest  the  bleeding.  She  became  cold  and  clam- 
my, had  frequent  fainting  spells  and  death  seemed 
imminent.  An  old  nurse  came  to  take  care  of  her 
over  night.  She  set  aside  the  physician’s  potions 
and  applications.  She  filled  the  big  wood  stove 


186 


METBOBBHAGIA. 


with  bricks,  and  as  fast  as  they  were  heated  wrapped 
them  in  wet  cloths  and  put  them  about  the  patient. 
That  night,  she  obtained  her  first  sleep  after  the 
attack.  The  hot  bricks  were  kept  to  her  four  days 
and  nights.  There  was  no  return  of  hemorrhage. 
She  made  a rapid  recovery. 

If  there  are  clots,  retained  placenta  or  mem- 
branes, or  any  foreign  growth  present  in  the  uterus, 
thejT  must  be  removed  by  surgical  interference, 
before  uterine  contractions  can  be  effected  and 
maintained. 

Pelvic  Peeitonitis,  Phebpeeal,  ob  child-bed 
peveb. — “There  is  a word  of  fear  that  I shall  pro- 
nounce when  I utter  the  name  of  Puerperal  Fever; 
for  there  is  almost  no  acute  disease  that  is  more 
terrible  than  this.  The  small  pox  itself,  which  re- 
duces the  fairest  form  of  humanity  to  a mass  of 
breathing  corruption,  can  not  be  looked  upon  with 
greater  dread.  Child-bed  fever,  like  an  inexorable 
Atropos,  cuts  the  thread  of  life  for  those  to  whom 
Clotlio  and  Lachesis  would  give  the  longest  span. 

“ There  is  something  so  touching  in  the  death 
of  a woman  who  has  recently  given  birth  to  a 
child;  something  so  mournful  in  the  disappoint- 
ment of  cherished  hopes;  something  so  pitiful  in 
the  deserted  condition  of  the  new-born  helpless 
creature,  forever  deprived  of  those  tender  cares  and 
caresses  necessary  for  it,  that  the  hardest  heart  is 
not  found  insensible  to  the  catastrophe.  It  is  a 
sort  of  desecration  for  an  accouched  to  die.” 

Thus  feelingly  writes  Prof.  Meigs,  of  Philadel- 
phia, of  this  disease,  the  very  thoughts  of  which 


PUERPERAL  FEVER. 


187 


strike  terror  to  the  stoutest  heart.  This  disease  is 
an  inflammation  of  the  uterus  and  its  peritoneal 
covering,  and  often  extends  to  the  entire  membrane 
lining  the  abdominal  cavity  and  possibly  involves 
all  the  pelvic  viscera. 

The  attack  ordinarily  commences  from  the  third 
to  the  ninth  day  after  delivery.  Previous  to  this 
the  patient  has  seemed  all  right  when  suddenly, 
apparently  without  cause,  she  is  taken  with  a chill. 
Rigors  more  or  less  severe  extend  up  and  down 
the  spinal  column.  Clothing  does  not  seem  to  im- 
part any  warmth.  Almost  simultaneously  with  the 
chill,  periodical  pains  will  be  felt  in  the  womb,  and 
if  not  much  constitutional  disturbance,  may  be 
taken  for  after  jpains.  Usually,  however,  they  are 
accompanied  by  great  soreness  and  tenderness  in 
the  pelvis,  abdomen  soon  bloats  and  becomes  tym- 
panitic, the  legs  are  flexed  to  relieve  the  tension, 
the  weight  of  the  clothes,  even,  can  not  be  borne. 
The  milk  dries  up,  the  lochia  cease,  there  is  head- 
ache, great  thirst,  increase  of  temperature  and  a 
quick,  wiry  or  bounding  pulse. 

All  of  these  distressing  symptoms  are  accompa- 
nied by  great  anxiety  of  mind  and  distressed  ex- 
pression of  countenance.  A dark  circle  forms 
about  the  eyes,  the  eyes  themselves  are  sunken,  the 
nose  pinched  and  the  lips  drawn,  and  the  face  is 
flushed  or  very  pale.  The  course  of  this  dread  disease 
is  very  rapid.  “It  will  not  unfrequently  happen 
that  she  shall  die  within  thirty-six  or  forty-eight 
hours  from  the  onset  of  the  malady,  and  some  cases 
terminate  fatally  even  in  eight  hours.  They  are  to 


188 


PUERPERAL  FEVER. 


be  cured  promptly  or  not  at  all.  Such  a malady  as 
this  hurries  with  hot  and  furious  haste  to  a turn, 
beyond  which  there  is  not  and  can  not  be  any  use- 
ful therapia.” 

Perhaps  I shall  be  condemned  for  picturing  to 
the  seDsitive  imagination  of  the  pregnant  woman 
the  possible  dangers  of  this  dread  disease.  Her  at- 
tendants will  look  out  for  and  she  should  not  be 
led  to  anticipate  it.  But  “ to  be  forewarned  is  to 
be  forearmed,”  and  consequently  be  thoroughly 
impressed  with  two  things:  First,  summon  your 

medical  attendant  at  once. 

Knowing  the  symptoms  you  have  the  indications, 
don’t  delay  one  moment.  He  better  come  ten 
times  for  a nervous  chill  or  after-pains,  if  by  chance 
the  mistake  should  be  made,  than  that  you  should 
fail  once  to  notify  him  of  an  attack  of  puerperal 
fever. 

Under  improved  methods  of  treatment  this  dis- 
ease does  not  terminate  fatally  as  frequently  as 
formerly. 

The  second  reason  for  writing  of  this  disease  is 
to  give  the  causes  so  they  may  be  avoided. 

First.  It  is  in  the  inflammatory  condition  of  the 
system  before  delivery.  If  the  fruit  diet  has  obvi- 
ated this  there  is  nothing  to  fear. 

Second.  The  use  of  ergot  in  confinement.  Puer- 
peral fever  following  poisoning  by  ergot  is  very 
rapid  in  its  course  and  soon  terminates  in  gangrene. 
If  this  drug  were  banished  from  practice,  child-bed 
fever  would  be  rare. 

Third.  Contusions  and  bruises  from  instruments 


PUERPERAL  FEVER. 


189 


not  handled  dexterously,  injuries  follow  causing 
inflammation. 

Fourth.  The  use  of  cathartics,  tonics,  stimulants 
and  other  drugs  after  delivery. 

It  is  within  the  power  of  every  woman  to  so 
regulate  her  confinement  that  she  shall  not  be  sub- 
ject to  these  causes  of  puerperal  fever. 

Some  late  teachers  claim  that  all  child-bed  fever 
is  pyaemia,  blood  poisoning,  and  can  not  be  avoided. 
Why  is  it  then,  it  is  notably  absent  in  those  who 
have  led  a hygienic  life?  Why  is  it,  that  those 
physicians  who  insist  upon  preparatory  treatment 
seldom  meet  with  it  in  their  practice?  Others, 
too,  claim  that  the  disease  is  contagious,  and  that 
the  physician  and  nurse  can  convey  the  germs  of 
poison  from  one  case  to  another. 

Dr.  W.  S.  Playfair,  of  London,  who  gives  to  this 
disease  the  name  of  Puerperal  Septicaemia,  says: 
“ The  whole  tendency  of  recent  investigations  is 
daily  rendering  it  more  and  more  certain  that 
obstetricans  have  been  led  into  error  by  the 
special  violence  and  intensity  of  the  disease,  and 
that  they  have  erroneously  considered  it  to  be 
something  special  to  the  puerperal  state,  instead  of 
recognizing  in  it  a form  of  septic  disease,  practi- 
cally identical  with  that  which  is  familiar  to  sur- 
geons under  the  name  of  pyaemia  and  septicaemia. 

If  this  view  be  correct,  the  term  “ puerperal 
fever  ” <\  iveying  the  idea  of  a fever  such  as 
typhus  or  typhoid,  must  be  acknowledged  to  be 
misleading  and  one  that  should  be  discarded  as 
only  tending  to  confusion. 


190 


PTTEEPEBAXi  FEVER. 


According  to  this  theory,  the  so-called  puerperal 
fever  is  produced  by  the  absorption  of  septic 
matter  into  the  system,  through  solution  of  con- 
tinuity in  the  generative  tract,  such  as  always 
exist  after  labor.  It  is  not  essential  that  the 
poison  should  be  peculiar  or  specific;  for,  just  as 
in  surgical  pyaemia,  any  decomposing  organic 
matter  either  originating  within  the  generative 
organs  of  the  patient  herself,  or  coming  from  with- 
out, may  set  up  this  morbid  action.” 

The  treatment  of  pekitonitis  should  be  prompt 
and  thorough.  Sweat  the  patient  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble. Place  several  steaming  bricks  or  boiled  corn 
about  her. 

Frequent  hot  enemas  by  rectum  and  vagina  are 
beneficial.  If  gangrene  threatens,  it  is  often  ar- 
rested by  the  application  of  a yeast  and  charcoal 
poultice.  Take  any  good  lively  yeast,  make  a 
sponge  of  corn  meal  and  Graham  flour,  equal 
parts.  When  light,  add  two  table  spoons  of  char- 
coal to  one  pint,  put  on  to  a large  cloth  covered  with 
thin  gauze  and  lay  over  the  entire  abdomen.  Must 
be  changed  frequently,  not  allowing  it  to  get  dry. 
An  injection  should  be  given  per  rectum  every 
three  hours  of  weak  carbolic  soap  suds. 

The  nutriment  should  be  diluted  milk  boiled,  or 
oat  meal  gruel.  Small  pieces  of  ice  fed  will  be 
grateful. 

These  directions  followed  faithfully  accompanied 
by  appropriate  remedies — most  cases  can  be  saved. 
Personally,  I have  had  little  experience  with  puer- 
peral fever.  In  twenty  years  of  general  practice, 


PUERPERAL  FEVER. 


191 


never  had  a fatal  case  outside  of  the  hospital.  My 
experience  emphasizes  what  I have  stated,  that  the 
hygienic  life  and  habits,  and  the  avoidance  of  drugs 
and  instruments  go  far  toward  preventing  child- 
bed fever.  Even  if  it  should  be  proven  that  this 
disease  is  septic  poisoning,  a healthy  tone  of  the 
organs  resists  the  absorption  of  the  foreign  agent, 
which  proves  a poison. 


/ 


CHAPTER  XYL 


IMF  ANTS — THEIB  OABB  AT  BIBTH. 

“ What  am  I? 

An  infant  crying  in  the  night; 

An  infant  crying  for  the  light; 

And  with  no  language  but  a cry.'* 

Tknktboit. 

The  new-born  babe  has  bad  a sleep,  at  least  a rest 
It  has  entered  upon  its  new  life  and  all  the  functions 
of  the  body  are  well  established.  A new  being  de- 
mands our  attention.  A tiny  waif  already  evincing 
a disposition  to  “ make  its  way  ” in  the  world.  The 
first  thing  to  do  in  lending  a helping  hand  to  the 
little  stranger  is  to  give  him  a bath — this  has  been 
done  usually  by  using  soap  and  warm  water.  Re- 
cently it  has  been  found  that  the  vernix  caseosa,  a 
thick,  white,  unctions  material  that  usually  covers 
the  child  and  is  especially  abundant  in  the  axilla  and 
groin,  is  much  more  easily  and  thoroughly  removed 
by  cleansing  it  entirely  with  some  oily  substance. 
For  this  purpose,  olive  oil,  olive  butter  or  lard 
can  be  used.  Should  be  applied  with  a 6oft,  worn 
piece  of  flannel,  keeping  the  child  well  covered. 
When  it  is  entirely  clean,  rub  all  over  with  a fresh 
piece  of  flannel,  and  the  skin  is  left  in  soft,  smooth 
condition. 

R.  P.  Harris,  M.  D.,  says:  “As  the  vemix  caseosa 
is  readily  miscible  with  pure  lard,  and  can  be  easily 
(192) 


DRESSING  THE  NAVEL. 


193 


removed  by  its  means,  it  has  become  the  practice 
with  many  obstetricians  in  the  United  States  to  or- 
der the  infant  well  anointed,  and  then  wiped  from 
head  to  foot  with  soft  rags,  until  all  the  vernix  disap- 
pears, and  the  skin  retains  an  oily  trace,  not  enough 
to  soil  the  clothing.  By  this  means  water  is  avoided, 
and  with  it  much  risk  of  taking  cold;  the  skin  is 
left  much  less  sensitive,  after  the  sudden  change 
which  it  is  made  to  endure  at  birth,  than  when 
subjected  to  soap  and  water.  ” 

Dress  the  navel  with  absorbent  antiseptic  cot- 
ton. Put  a piece  three  or  four  inches  square  on  the 
left  side  of  the  abdomen,  just  above  the  navel,  the 
remnant  of  the  cord  laid  upon  it,  with  its  cut  end 
pointing  to  the  left  and  upward — the  cotton 
arranged  to  embrace  the  base  of  the  cord,  and 
another  piece  of  cotton  the  same  size  placed 
over  the  cord,  the  whole  kept  in  place  by  a soft 
flannel  band.  This  for  many  reasons  is  more  pref- 
erable than  dressing  with  linen,  according  to  the 
old  custom.  It  absorbs  the  secretions  more  readily, 
making  the  liability  of  an  unpleasant  odor  less.  It 
is  kept  in  place  better,  and  the  cord  comes  off  much 
sooner.  Can  often  be  entirely  removed  the  fourth 
day.  There  needs  to  be  no  grease  or  oil  upon  the 
cotton.  After  the  separation  of  the  cord,  the  navel 
should  be  dressed  with  a little  simple  cerate  or  cos- 
moline,  and  still  use  the  absorbent  cotton. 

If  there  is  an j pouching  of  the  navel,  take  a piece 
of  thick  pasteboard  two  inches  in  diameter,  wrap  it 
with  several  thicknesses  of  linen  and  place  it  out- 


194 


INFANT  CLOTHING* 


side  of  the  cotton,  then  apply  the  bandage  suffi- 
ciently snug  to  keep  it  in  place. 

The  clothing  of  the  child  should  be  soft,  warm, 
light,  loose  and  easily  adjusted.  Within  twenty  five 
years  mothers  have  made  great  improvement  in  the 
clothing  of  infants.  Length  of  skirts  is  diminished, 
long  sleeves  and  high  necks  are  substituted  for  short 
sleeves  and  low  necked  dresses.  Number  of  gar- 
ments should  be  avoided  and  waistbands  dispensed 
with.  The  shirt  is  the  most  difficult  to  put  on  the 
child ; it  is  next  to  impossible  to  keep  it  in  place, 
and  besides  it  is  entirely  unnecessary.  Make  the 
under  skirt  of  soft  flannel  after  the  same  pattern 
as  the  outside  slip  or  wrapper  with  long  sleeves. 
Button  it  in  the  back.  This  is  both  shirt  and  skirt. 
Outside  of  this  have  another  skirt  of  cotton  or 
wool  made  in  the  same  way,  only  the  sleeves  can 
be  omitted.  Outside  of  these  the  ordinary  slip 
or  wrapper  is  worn.  We  have  thus  secured  healthy 
warmth  without  constriction.  The  diaper  should 
be  of  linen  and  not  pinned  too  tight.  Small 
squares  of  old  soft  linen  should  be  used  inside  of 
the  diaper  the  first  few  weeks  while  the  skin  is 
tender.  It  is  well  enough,  too,  while  the  child  is 
small,  to  protect  its  clothing  by  laying  an  extra  di- 
aper unfolded  inside  of  its  clothing  and  possibly 
pinning  it  loosely  over  the  hips.  If  the  weathei 
is  cold  woolen  socks  are  advisable  from  the  first. 
In  its  waking  hours  naturally  the  infant  is  inclined 
to  use  its  limbs  constantly,  and  the  clothing  should 
not  be  so  long  and  weighty  as  to  prevent  this.  Un- 
cover its  legs  near  the  fire  several  times  a day,  and 


INFANT  CLOTHING. 


195 


let  it  stretch  them  to  its  heart’s  content.  The  band 
need  not  be  worn  after  the  navel  has  healed  so  as  to 
require  no  dressing.  It  is  only  a few  years  ago  that 
mothers  thought  the  band  essential  until  the  child 
was  six  or  eight  months  old,  thinking  it  would  pre- 
vent rupture  at  the  navel.  Every  mother,  however, 
can  testify  to  the  almost  impossibility  of  keeping 
the  band  in  situ / that  it  was  quite  as  likely  to  be 
found  under  the  arms  or  down  over  the  hips,  as 
smoothly  pinned  around  the  abdomen.  Besides,  if 
kept  in  place  the  very  pressure  of  the  band  weakened 
the  muscles  of  the  abdomen,  rendering  rupture  more 
liable  than  if  not  worn.  Save  to  keep  the  dressing 
upon  the  navel  in  place  it  serves  no  purpose  and  the 
child  is  better  off  without  it. 

Habits  of  cleanliness  can  be  taught  every  child. 
The  clumsy  diaper  can  be  dispensed  with  by  the 
time  it  is  three  or  four  months  old.  Let  the  mother 
practice  holding  out  her  baby  immediately  after 
nursing  it,  and  it  will  easily  be  taught  to  urinate 
at  this  time  and  also  to  have  a passage  from  the 
bowels  at  a stated  time  in  the  morning  and  evening. 
The  actual  comfort  secured  to  mother  and  child 
through  this  condition  more  than  repays  for  the  la- 
bor and  patience  in  securing  it.  Teach  your  chil- 
dren to  be  cleanly.  “ A dirty  child  is  a mother’s 
disgrace.”  When  a child  begins  to  creep  and  walk 
the  diaper  must  be  pinned  tight  enough  to  be  inju- 
rious in  order  to  keep  it  in  place,  and  then,  too,  the 
amount  necessary  at  this  time  to  absorb  the  secre- 
tions, spreads  the  legs  apart.  The  bones  being  pli- 
able actual  deformity  often  results. 


196 


CLEANLY  HABITS. 


“ The  first  week  of  the  child’s  life  it  should  not 
be  entirely  stripped  and  washed;  it  is  too  fatiguing. 
It  must  of  course  be  kept  sweet  and  clean,  which  can 
be  done  gently,  piece  by  piece.  A very  scientific 
successful  man  midwife  in  South  Brooklyn  will  not 
allow  a new-born  infant  to  be  washed  and  dressed 
till  it  is  twenty -four  hours  old.  He  oils  it  well  and 
rolls  it  in  warm  soft  wraps,  with  face  only  open, 
puts  it  to  the  breast,  and  orders  it  to  be  kept  quiet 
and  warm  till  the  second  day,  when,  if  the  child  is 
vigorous,  he  allows  it  to  be  handled  and  dressed  as 
the  nurse  desires;  if  not  quite  strong  and  rested,  he 
sometimes  will  not  subject  it  to  dressing  until  a 
week  old.” 

After  the  babe  is  a week  old,  it  can  be  bathed 
every  day  or  every  other  day.  By  the  time  it  is 
two  months  old  it  can  be  put  into  a bath  daily. 
Should  remain  in  the  water  not’more  than  five  min- 
utes. The  temperature  should  not  exceed  90°,  and 
it  is  quite  as  well  to  accustom  it  to  a lower  tem- 
perature gradually.  Don’t  trust  the  hand  to  deter- 
mine the  heat.  Always  have  a thermometer.  Do 
not  bathe  a child  immediately  after  nursing.  Avoid 
the  use  of  soap.  A child’s  skin  is  naturally  oily, 
and  should  be  preserved  so.  Scrofulous  and  anemic 
children  are  sometimes  benefited  by  substituting 
once  or  twice  a week  an  oil  bath  for  a water  bath. 

NURSING. 

" The  starting  beverage  meets  the  thirsty  lip; 

'Tis  joy  to  yield  it,  and  ’tis  joy  to  sip.” 

The  true  mother  will  not  deny  herself  the  privi- 
lege and  pleasure  of  nursing  her  own  offspring. 


NURSING. 


197 


Whenever  the  infant  shows  an  inclination  for 
food  it  should  be  put  to  the  breast.  It  needs  no 
other  feeding.  The  nursing  process  aids  the 
mother  in  that  it  assists  in  restoring  the  uterus  to 
normal  conditions.  A few  years  since  everybody 
supposed  the  baby  must  be  fed  artificially  the  first 
two  days  of  its  life,  that  there  was  a break  in 
nature’s  provision  for  its  sustenance.  The  conse- 
quence was  the  poor  little  victim  was  dosed  with  all 
sorts  of  slops,  catnip  tea,  panada,  gruel,  cracker 
water,  cream  tea,  etc.,  etc.  Remember  it  needs 
nothing  but  the  secretion  that  is  in  the  breast. 
This  is  laxative  and  removes  the  meconium  from 
the  bowels  and  the  baby  thrives  upon  it. 

The  mother’s  milk  is  the  natural  food  of  the  child 
and  nothing  can  fully  take  its  place.  Every  means 
should  be  used  to  secure  and  maintain  this  natural 
nutriment  before  resorting  to  artificial  food.  If  for 
any  reason  the  mother  has  not  milk  for  her  child, 
or  is  separated  from  the  child,  then  the  best  substi- 
tute is  a wet  nurse.  Her  own  babe  should  be  near 
the  same  age;  she  should  be  well  and  strong  and 
the  milk  abundant  and  nourishing. 

The  best  artificial  food  is  cream  reduced  and 
sweetened  with  sugar  of  milk.  Analyses  show  that 
the  human  milk  contains  more  cream  and  sugar  and 
less  casein  than  the  milk  of  animals.  The  reduced 
cream,  sweetened,  simulates  the  natural  substances. 
The  difference  in  the  quality  of  cream  presents  a 
great  difficulty.  Ho  rule  can  be  given  for  its 
reduction.  Most  nurses  leave  it  too  rich  and  the 
child’s  system  is  soon  deranged. 


198 


ARTIFICIAL  FOOD. 


Instead  of  cream  let  new  milk  stand  from  four  to 
six  hours,  take  the  top  off,  reduce  one  half  with  hot 
water,  to  one  pint  add  one  tea-spoonful  of  sugar  of 
milk  and  one  grain  of  phosphate  of  lime.  When 
the  child  is  from  three  to  five  months  old,  oat  meal, 
barley  or  bran  gruel  can  be  added  instead  of  water. 

Hever  use  arrowroot,  corn  starch,  or  flour,  these 
do  not  digest  in  the  stomach  and  intestinal  derange- 
ment  is  sure  to  follow.  Bran  or  barley  gruel  fur- 
nishes the  phosphates,  which  are  essential  to  stim- 
ulate digestion. 

Microscopical  examination  of  the  artificial  foods 
prepared  and  sold  for  infants,  proves  many  of  them 
deficient  in  gluten  and  too  abundant  in  starch  to 
make  them  desirable  nutriment.  Children  have 
not  sufficient  secretion  of  saliva  to  convert  starch 
into  sugar. 

The  following  extracts  from  Playfair’s  Mid- 
wifery explains  the 

“ Causes  of  mortality  in  hand-fed  children. — 
Much  of  the  mortality  following  hand-feeding  may 
be  traced  to  unsuitable  food.  Among  the  poorer 
classes  especially  there  is  a prevalent  notion  that 
milk  alone  is  insufficient;  and  hence  the  almost 
universal  custom  of  administering  various  farinace- 
ous foods,  such  as  corn-flour  or  arrowroot,  even 
from  the  earliest  period.  Many  of  these  consist  of 
starch  alone,  and  are  therefore  absolutely  unsuited 
for  forming  the  staple  of  diet,  on  account  of  the 
total  absence  of  nitrogenous  elements.  Independ- 
ently of  this,  it  has  been  shown  that  the  saliva  of 
infants  has  not  the  same  digestive  property  on 


ARTIFICIAL  HUMAN  MILS. 


199 


starcli  that  it  subsequently  acquires,  and  this  affords 
a further  explanation  of  its  so  constantly  producing 
intestinal  derangement.  Reason,  as  well  as  experi- 
ence, abundantly  prove  that  the  object  to  be  aimed 
at  in  hand-feeding  is  to  imitate  as  nearly  as  possible 
the  food  which  nature  supplies  for  the  new-born 
child,  and  therefore  the  obvious  course  is  to  use 
milk  from  some  animal,  so  treated  as  to  make  it 
resemble  human  milk  as  nearly  as  may  be. 

Artificial  human  milk. — An  admirable  plan  of 
treating  cow’s  milk,  so  as  to  reduce  it  to  almost 
absolute  chemical  identity  with  human  milk 
has  been  devised  by  Professor  Frankland  to  whom 
I am  indebted  for  permission  to  insert  the  recipe. 
I have  followed  this  method  in  many  cases,  and 
find  it  far  superior  to  the  usual  one,  as  it  produces 
an  exact  and  uniform  compound.  With  a little 
practice  nurses  can  employ  it  with  no  more  trouble 
than  the  ordinary  mixing  of  cow’s  milk  with  water 
and  sugar.  The  following  extracts  from  Dr.  Frank- 
land’s  work  will  explain  the  principles  on  which 
the  preparation  of  the  artificial  human  milk  is 
founded:  ‘ The  rearing  of  infants,  who  can  not  be 

supplied  with  their  natural  food  is  notoriously 
difficult  and  uncertain,  owing  chiefly  to  the  great 
difference  in  the  chemical  composition  of  human 
milk  and  cow’s  milk.  The  latter  is  much  richer  in 
casein,  and  poorer  in  milk-sugar  than  the  former, 
whilst  asses’  milk,  which  is  sometimes  used  for 
feeding  infants,  is  too  poor  in  casein  and  butter, 
although  the  proportion  of  sugar  is  nearly  the  same 
as  in  human  milk.  The  relations  of  the  three  kinds 


200 


ARTIFICIAL  HITMAN  ~MTT.IT. 


of  milk  to  each  other  are  clearly  seen  from  the  fol- 
lowing analytical  numbers,  which  express  the  per- 
centage amounts  of  the  different  constituents: 

Woman.  Ass.  Cow. 


Casein 2.7  1.7  4.2 

Butter 3.5  1.3  3.8 

Milk-sugar 5.0  4.5  3.8 

Salts 2 .5  .7 


These  numbers  show  that  by  the  removal  of  one 
third  of  the  casein  from  cow’s  milk  and  the  ad- 
dition of  about  one  third  more  milk-sugar  a liquid 
is  obtained  which  closely  approaches  human  milk 
in  composition,  the  percentage  amounts  of  the  four 
chief  constituents  being  as  follows: 


Casein 2.8 

Butter 3.8 

Milk-sugar 5.0 

Salts 7 


The  following  is  the  mode  of  preparing  the  milk: 
Allow  one  third  of  a pint  of  new  milk  to  stand  for 
about  twelve  hours,  remove  the  cream  and  add  to  it 
two  thirds  of  a pint  of  new  milk,  as  fresh  from  the 
cow  as  possible.  Into  the  one  third  of  a pint  of 
blue  milk  left  after  the  abstraction  of  the  cream,  put 
a piece  of  rennet  about  one  inch  square.  Set  the 
vessel  in  warm  water,  until  the  milk  is  fully  curdled, 
an  operation  requiring  from  five  to  fifteen  min- 
utes, according  to  the  activity  of  the  rennet, 
which  should  be  removed  as  soon  as  the 
curdling  commences,  and  put  into  an  egg  cup  for 
use  on  subsequent  occasions,  as  it  may  be  employed 


ARTIFICIAL  HUMAN  MILK. 


201 


daily  for  a month  or  two.  Break  up  the  curd 
repeatedly,  and  carefully  separate  the  whole  of  the 
whey,  which  should  then  be  rapidly  heated  to 
boiling  in  a small  tin  pan  placed  over  a spirit  or 
gas  lamp.  During  the  heating  a further  quantity 
of  casein,  technically  called  ‘ fleetings,’  separates, 
and  must  be  removed  by  straining  through  muslin. 
Now  dissolve  110  grains  of  powdered  sugar  of  milk 
in  the  hot  whey,  and  mix  it  with  the  two  thirds  of 
a pint  of  new  milk  to  which  the  cream  from  the 
other  third  of  a pint  was  added  as  already  described. 
The  artificial  milk  should  be  used  within  twelve 
hours  of  its  preparation,  and  it  is  almost  needless 
to  add  that  all  the  vessels  employed  in  its  manu- 
facture and  administration  should  be  kept  scrupu- 
lously clean.” 

“Never  give  the  child  the  rubber  nipple  nursing 
bottle  especially  the  white  rubber,  since  it  contains 
in  its  composition  the  carbonate  of  lead,  which  is 
sure  poison — sometimes  slow,  but  none  the  less  sure. 
I have  watched  the  effects  of  the  white  rubber  nip- 
ple for  many  years;  have  known  cases  of  spinal 
curvature,  one  of  complete  humpback,  often  decayed 
teeth,  innumerable  cases  of  sore  mouth,  and  dys- 
entery or  diarrhoea,  many  times  causing  death, 
large  indolent  boils  on  the  scalp,  eruptions  behind 
the  ears  and  in  the  folds  of  the  neck,  in  consequence 
of  sucking  the  rubber  nipple.  All  rubber  gum 
rings  and  toys  should  be  avoided,  indeed,  I wish 
everything  made  from  the  white  rubber  could  be 
banished  from  the  nursery.  Any  babe  can  be  fed  at 
first  with  a spoon  and  in  a few  weeks  it  will  drink 


202 


FREQUENCY  OF  FEEDING-. 


from  a cup  or  glass.  If  any  artificial  nipple  must 
be  used  one  of  silver,  glass  or  porcelain  can  be  pro- 
cured. The  black  rubber  may  not  be  as  objection- 
able as  the  white.  I have  known  a very  good  arti- 
ficial nipple  to  be  made  of  fine  sponge,  with  cam- 
bric linen  covering  it.  A small  quill  stitched  in 
thoroughly  is  passed  through  the  center  nearly  to  the 
cover,  and  by  fitting  the  sponge  over -the  top  of  a 
small  sized  bottle,  it  answers  a good  purpose.  The 
vessels  and  tubes  can  scarcely  be  kept  clean  of  any 
nursing  bottles,  and  here  is  another  plea  for  teach- 
ing a child  that  must  be  fed  to  drink  from  a cup  or 
glass.”  * 

A young  babe  should  not  be  fed  more  frequently 
than  once  in  two  hours,  and  by  the  time  it  is  three 
months  old  once  in  three  hours  is  preferable. 
Nothing  deranges  a child’s  digestion  more  than 
irregular  and  constant  nursing.  I have  seen  a 
mother  give  her  child  the  breast  five  times  dur- 
ing a half  hour’s  conversation.  It  is  such  an  un- 
reasonable fallacy  to  suppose  that  a child  is  hungry 
every  time  it  nestles  and  frets.  Consider  the 
time  since  it  has  nursed  and  look  for  other  causes 
before  giving  it  the  breast. 

A baby  should  be  weaned  when  it  is  from  twelve 
to  eighteen  months  old.  Depends  largely  upon  its 
development  and  also  upon  the  mother’s  condition. 
Before  weaning  and  for  some  time  after  it  should 
be  fed  upon  oat  meal,  barley  meal,  wheat  meal, 
or  graham  bread  and  milk.  The  digestive  or- 
gans are  not  in  a condition  for  a mixed  diet 

* Care  of  Children,  Dr.  Clemence  S.  Lozier. 


TIME  FOE  WEANING. 


203 


until  the  teeth  are  developed.  Many  a case  of 
summer  complaint,  diphtheria,  convulsions,  etc., 
is  due  to  the  meat  and  potatoes,  pie  and  cake, 
etc.,  that  the  child  has  been  fed  upon,  which  has 
poisoned  instead  of  nourished  the  system.  This  is 
not  all.  Meat  fed  children  are  cross,  irritable  and 
quarrelsome.  Some  three  years  since  a kind,  con- 
scientious mother  said:  “The  greatest  trial  of  my 

life  is  that  my  children  quarrel  so  with  each  other. 
I can  not  understand  the  reason.  Nothing  they 
do  annoys  me  so  much,  and  by  teaching,  per- 
suasion or  punishment  I have  been  unable  to 
change  their  habit.” 

Hoping  to  give  her  aid,  I asked  many  questions 
— among  other  things  in  regard  to  diet.  She 
told  me  they  were  great  meat  eaters — her  hus- 
band and  brother  must  have  it  three  times  a day, 
and  the  children  often  scarcely  ate  anything  else. 
I told  her  the  story  of  the  bear  that  was  kept  at 
the  museum  in  Giessen;  when  fed  on  bread  only,  it 
was  quiet  and  tractable — even  children  could  play 
with  it  with  impunity — but  a few  days  feeding 
upon  meat  would  make  it  ferocious,  quarrelsome 
and  dangerous.  She  agreed  to  try  the  experiment 
upon  her  children.  I counseled  her,  as  her  hus- 
band did  not  dine  at  home,  to  make  a special  din- 
ner for  the  children.  Instead  of  giving  them 
scraps  of  cold  meat,  pies  and  cake,  etc.,  make  them 
milk  toast,  tiny  graham  or  corn  meal  gems^ 
cracked  wheat  with  fruit  sauce,  fruit  puddings, 
etc.  Spare  no  pains  in  making  it  attractive  and 
palatable.  Decorate  the  table  with  fruit  and 


LESSON  FOE  MOTHEKS. 


2 04 

flowers,  and  make  the  occasions  frequent  when 
their  own  holiday  presents  of  China  should  be 
used.  Follow  this  with  a light  lunch  at  night, 
of  simple,  farinaceous  food  before  the  ordinary 
family  dinner.  In  this  way  they  would  not  be 
tempted  with  the  meat  only  at  breakfast  and  even 
then,  fresh  fish,  fish  balls,  omelets,  etc.,  might  be 
made  to  supplant  the  platter  of  steak  or  ham. 

This  lady  entered  into  the  plan  heartily,  and 
although  it  required  study,  tact  and  perseverance, 
she  was  more  than  amply  paid.  In  less  than  a 
month  she  could  see  a difference  in  the  habits  of 
her  children,  and  in  one  year  afterward  she  testi- 
fied that  it  would  hardly  be  recognized  as  the  same 
family.  The  children  were  cheerful,  playful,  glee- 
ful and  full  of  spirit — but  in  place  of  fretfulness 
and  quarrels,  were  kind,  benevolent  and  con- 
siderate to  each  other.  Besides  they  seldom  had 
acute  attacks  of  fevers  and  inflammation. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


DISEASES  OF  INFANTS.* 

Excoriation  of  groin  and  axilla  frequently 
troubles  very  fat,  scrofulous  and  bottle-fed  babies. 
The  surface  becomes  raw  and  inflamed,  and  often 
painful.  Bathe  frequently  in  tepid,  soft  water,  or 
what  often  proves  better,  milk  and  water.  Dry  with 
a soft  linen  cloth.  Or  hold  the  sufferer  over  a tub  or 
basin,  and  from  a large  sponge  squeeze  tepid,  soft 
water  on  the  affected  part.  Repeat  every  two  or 
three  hours.  This  is  grateful  and  healing. 

The  occasional  use  of  cosmoline  is  beneficial,  or 
sweet  cream  in  which  white  clover  blossoms  have 
been  steeped. 

Avoid  nursery  powders. 

If  the  methods  advised  fail,  scorch  flour  and  ap- 
ply several  times  a day. 

Should  there  be  eruptions  or  ulcers  use  a powder 
of  the  following  formula: 

R Scorched  Flour 

Powdered  Hydrastus  3j 

Mix.  Apply  through  a powder  bag  after  each 
washing. 

* The  diseases  of  children  treated  upon  are  mainly  those  for 
which  a physician  is  seldom  called.  A few  suggestions  are  also 
added  upon  those  in  which  the  severity  of  the  attack  necessi- 
tates attention  before  medical  aid  can  be  obtained. 

(205) 


206 


CAUSES  OF  COLIC. 


Sometimes  where  there  is  great  inflammation 
attending  the  excoriation,  lay  upon  the  affected 
part  for  an  hour  or  two  at  a time  soft  cloths  wet  in 
a cold  lotion  of  borax,  using  only  half  a drachm  to 
a pint  of  soft  water. 

Frequent  washing  and  perfect  cleanliness  are 
really  the  best  preventions  and  cure. 

Colic  is  the  torture  of  babyhood,  as  well  as  a 
constant  source  of  paternal  and  maternal  solici- 
tude. It  is  not  considered  a dangerous  disease, 
but  the  sufferings  of  the  little  one  are  a great  tax 
upon  sympathetic  nerves,  and  whoever  can  furnish 
a panacea  for  this  almost  universal  infantile  com- 
plaint, would  confer  a great  boon  upon  babydom. 
Severe  colics  are  usually  the  result  of  derange- 
ments of  the  liver,  and  when  mothers  are  badly 
nourished,  the  child  is  frequently  born  with  the 
trouble.  This  condition  is  largely  due  to  a defi- 
ciency of  nitrates  and  phosphates  in  the  food. 
The  system  is  over  supplied  with  carbonates  in  the 
shape  of  starch,  fats  and  sugar,  and  deficient  in 
elements  that  build  up  the  tissues,  such  as  gluten, 
fibrin,  albumen,  etc.  The  mother  partakes  of  food 
that  produces  an  inflammatory  condition,  and  lacks 
in  that  which  makes  muscle,  bone  and  nerve. 

The  first  care  of  the  mother  must  be  to  study 
carefully  the  food  table  (Chap.  YIII),  selecting 
such  articles  as  fulfill  the  above  requirements. 
Be  cautious  about  eating  of  mixed  dishes  and  also 
of  greasy  and  highly  seasoned  food. 

Let  the  diet  be  chiefly  of  barley,  rolled  wheat,  and 


TREATMENT  OF  COLIO. 


207 


bread  from  flour  of  the  entire  wheat,  with  the  ad- 
dition of  fish,  milk  and  eggs.  Fruits  can  be  par- 
taken of  freely,  avoiding  those  that  are  exceedingly 
acid.  It  is  only  when  fruit  is  not  eaten  all  the 
time,  that  colic  in  the  child  is  caused  by  partaking 
of  it.  If  it  has  been  eaten  freely  during  preg- 
nancy, it  will  do  no  harm  during  lactation.  Until 
the  causes  can  be  removed,  palliative  treatment 
must  be  resorted  to. 

A colicky  baby  must  be  kept  warm,  avoiding  all 
changes  in  temperature.* 

A rubber  bag  or  bottle  filled  with  hot  water  and 
put  in  the  crib  will  keep  a colicky  baby,  once  quiet- 
ed, asleep  for  hours.  During  the  paroxysms  put  the 
child’s  feet  in  a basin  of  hot  water,  or  place  cloths 
wrung  from  hot  water  over  its  bowels,  and  if  the 
attack  is  very  severe,  a full  hot  bath  will  often  give 
relief.f 

Avoid  giving  opiates.  They  constipate  the  bow- 
els and  derange  digestion.  In  acute  attacks  fol- 

*An  interesting  account  has  lately  appeared  in  medical 
journals  entitled,  “ Incubating  Babies.”  Some  physician  had 
charge  of  foundlings  and  tried  the  experiment  of  keeping 
them  devoid  of  clothing  in  ventilated  boxes  at  an  even  temper- 
ature of  80° . They  were  fed  at  regular  intervals.  They  slept 
most  of  the  time.  During  the  waking  periods,  kicked,  laughed 
and  crowed,  but  seldom  cried.  He  lessened  the  mortality  very 
greatly  and  possibly  proved  to  the  world  that  the  hardening 
or  toughening  process  is  begun  too  soon  for  the  best  vigor  of 
childhood. 

fA  warm  bath,  indeed  let  the  cause  of  “ griping  ” be  what 
it  may,  usually  affords  instant  relief. — Chavasse. 


208 


AVOID  OPIATES. 


lowing  their  use  the  brain  and  spine  are  likely  to 
be  seriously  involved. 

Nearly  all  cordials  sold  for  colic  contain  opium. 
Analysis  reveals  morphine  one  grain  to  the  ounce 
in  Winslow’s  soothing  syrup. 

The  following  from  a daily  paper  only  shows 
that  many  medicines  are  the  mother’s  enemy,  in- 
stead of  the  “Mother’s  Friend.” 

“ The  Tewksbury  almshouse  horror  once  more 
calls  attention  to  the  frightful  abuse  of  narcotics 
which  the  medical  profession  is  to  a great  extent 
responsible  for.  In  the  Tewksbury  child’s  hospital 
the  nurses  were  provided  with  morphine  in  half-pint 
bottles!  No  wonder  the  babies  were  kept  60  still 
that  they  died  at  a rate  never  before  beard  of.  An 
idea  of  the  extent  to  which  narcotics  are  given  to 
infants  in  English  manufacturing  towns  is  glean- 
able  from  the  deposition  of  a Hanley  chemist  before 
a coroner’s  jury.  He  testified  that  he  made  up 
and  sold  six  gallons  a day  of  an  article  called 
“ Mother’s  Friend.”  The  stuff  contains  seven  and 
one-half  drops  of  laudanum  to  the  ounce.  With 
this  it  is  customary  to  dose  their  babies  so 
that  they  shall  sleep  during  the  time  the  young 
mothers  are  engaged  at  the  factories.  Of  course 
the  infant  mortality  of  the  place  is  frightful.  In 
contradistinction  to  this  practice  of  barbarously 
working  young  mothers,  Mr.  Schneider,  the  owner 
of  the  great  Creuzot  iron  works  in  France,  compels 
a mother  to  stay  from  work  for  a few  months  be- 
fore and  after  a child  is  born.  For  the  carrying 
out  of  this  humane  purpose  he  has  created  a fund 


BEST  REMEDIES. 


209 


out  of  which  the  wages  of  the  mother  during  the 
period  of  her  incapacity  are  paid.” 

Convulsions,  brain  fever,  summer  complaint,  etc., 
are  often  the  result  of  the  early  use  of  opiates. 

For  colic , some  difiusable  stimulant  is  preferable. 
In  mild  cases,  a few  tea-spoonfuls  of  hot  water 
are  sufficient.  In  others,  to  six  tea-spoons  of  hot 
water,  add  one  drop  of  essence  of  peppermint. 
Feed  slowly.  There  is  but  little  objection  to  the  old- 
fashioned  catnip  tea,  if  it  serves  the  purpose. 

Give  camphor,  when  the  pain  is  severe  and 
cramp-like,  knees  flexed,  hands  and  feet  cold,  face 
livid,  especially  if  there  is  diarrhoea.  Put  one  drop 
of  tincture  on  a tea-spoonful  of  sugar  of  milk,  mix 
thoroughly,  then  add  six  tea-spoons  of  hot  water. 
Dose — A tea-spoonful  every  ten  minutes. 

Give  chamomilla  when  the  stools  are  green  and 
every  diaper  is  stained.  The  child  is  very  restless, 
nurses  often,  constantly  desires  change  of  position 
and  attendants.  If  the  homeopathic  preparation 
does  not  give  relief,  make  an  infusion  of  the  blos- 
soms. To  six  grains  of  the  bloom,  pour  one  gill 
boiling  water.  Feed  slowly.  Four  or  five  tea- 
spoonsful  are  usually  sufficient. 

Any  of  these  preparations,  except  camphor,  are 
better  not  to  be  sweetened. 

Give  nux  vomica  for  constipation  or  undigested 
curds  of  milk  in  the  feces.  Child  starts  in  its  sleep 
and  throws  its*head  back  when  it  cries.  Take  one 
grain  of  the  second  homeopathic  preparation,  add 
six  tea-spoons  of  warm  water,  and  give  every  ten 


210 


CAUSE  OF  CONSTIPATION. 


minutes  in  half  tea-spoonful  doses.  For  colic  of 
children  and  grown  people,  I have  found  more 
frequent  relief  from  this  remedy  than  all  others. 
It  promotes  digestion,  equalizes  the  circulation  and 
feeds  the  nervous  system.  A medical  author  claims 
that  nux  vomica  develops  and  equalizes  electricity 
in  the  system.  An  occasional  dose  prevents  other 
attacks.  The  mother  should  also  take  it  once  or 
twice  a day.  She  must  remember,  too,  to  take  suf- 
ficient rest  and  sleep,  using  every  means  to  promote 
the  best  health. 

There  is  no  special  age  when  the  infant  is  subject 
to  colic.  It  occurs  more  frequently  when  it  is 
from  two  to  five  months  old.  However  I have 
known  children  great  sufferers  from  it  before  they 
were  two  weeks  old. 

Constipation  is  not  a very  frequent  ailment  of 
infants,  but  is  occasionally  met  with  and  sometimes 
becomes  very  obstinate.  Usually  if  nursing,  the 
mother  is  found  to  be  suffering  from  the  same  con- 
dition. In  such  a case,  she  should  follow  the  di- 
rections in  Chapter  V,  and  through  correct  habits 
in  her  own  system  she  will  doubtless  find  the  child 
relieved. 

Want  of  regularity  in  its  habits  often  produces 
costiveness  in  an  infant.  If  he  is  fed  or  nursed 
regularly,  and  held  out  at  the  same  time  of  each 
day,  and  as  he  gets  older  is  put  upon  a chair,  he 
will  seldom  be  troubled  with  this  complaint.  It  is 
wonderful  how  soon  the  bowels  in  most  cases,  by 
this  simple  plan,  may  be  brought  into  a regular 
state.  If  by  this  method,  they  do  not  move  the 


AVOID  APERIENT  DRUGS. 


211 


first  day  or  two,  use  a soap  suppository.  This  is 
a safe,  speedy  and  certain  method  of  moving  the 
bowels. 

Make  it  by  paring  a piece  of  white  castile  soap 
round.  Should  be  about  the  size  of  a lead  pencil, 
pointed  at  the  end,  and  two  inches  in  length 
Moisten  in  warm  water  and  introduce  nearly  the 
whole  length.  After  remaining  from  one  to  five 
minutes  it  will  be  expelled  and  the  bowels  will  be 
comfortably  and  effectually  relieved. 

If  the  feces  are  very  hard  like  little  balls,  it  is 
better  to  make  an  enema  of  castile- soap  suds,  to 
one  cupful  add  one  tea-spoonful  of  sweet  oil. 

Do  not  begin  giving  a little  baby  aperient  drugs. 
Chevasse  in  his  valuable  treatise  upon  the  care  of 
children,  says:  “ If  you  once  begin,  and  continue  it 
for  awhile,  opening  medicine  becomes  a dire  neces- 
sity and  then  woe  betide  the  poor  unfortunate 
child.” 

Again  he  says:  “Let  me  urge  the  importance 

of  avoiding  as  much  as  possible  giving  a babe  pur- 
gative medicines.  They  irritate,  beyond  measure, 
the  tender  bowels  of  an  infant  and  only  make  him 
more  costive  afterward;  they  interfere  with  his 
digestion  and  are  liable  to  give  him  cold.”  If  a 
“regular”  makes  such  a strong  protest  against 
purgatives  for  a child,  surely  women  who  have  been 
taught  the  dire  effects  of  drugs  will  be  glad  to  use 
nature’s  remedies  for  this  trouble.  Squeezing  cold 
or  tepid  water  over  the  child’s  bowels,  followed  by 
hand  friction  aids  to  stimulate  them  to  action. 

Some  advise  rubbing  the  bowels  with  castor  oil 


212 


INFANTILE  DIRRHEA. 


getting  thereby  the  aperient  effect  without  the 
irritation  of  an  internal  dose. 

Diarrhcea  of  infants  is  nature’s  first  method  of 
removing  obstructions  and  overcoming  derange- 
ments of  the  system;  and  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten 
should  not  be  interfered  with. 

The  natural  movements  are  usually  thin,  and  of 
bright  orange  color.  One  author  describes  them  as 
being  of  the  “consistence  and  color  of  mustard 
mixed  for  the  table.”  They  are  nearly  devoid  of 
smell,  or  at  least  only  have  a faint,  disagreeable 
odor.  Many  children  at  first  have  from  three  to  six 
movements  in  a day.  If  they  should  increase  to 
from  six  to  twelve  and  still  not  change  materially 
in  consistence,  color  or  odor,  there  is  no  cause  for 
uneasiness. 

Many  an  attack  of  sickness  is  the  result  of  check- 
ing a diarrhoea  with  opiates  and  astringents.  If  the 
discharges  become  watery,  green,  attended  with 
griping,  or  streaked  with  mucous,  blood  or  grayish, 
ash  color,  or  chalk  color,  or  have  undigested  curds 
of  milk  then  there  is  cause  for  demanding  attention. 

The  following  are  a few  leading  remedies  for  this 
complaint: 

Arsenicum. — The  discharges  are  thin,  watery, 
yellow,  accompanied  by  thirst,  hands  and  feet  hot 
Six  pellets  every  two  hours. 

Cuprum. — Discharges  green,  frequent  and  small 
with  much  pain.  Six  pellets  every  two  hours. 

Camphor. — Discharges  watery,  frequent  vomit- 
ing, coldness  of  extremities.  Dose  one  drop  rubbed 


LEADING  REMEDIES. 


213 


in  one  tea-spoon  sugar  to  which  add  six  tea-spoons 
water.  Give  a tea-spoonful  every  hour. 

Mercury  sol. — Discharges  watery,  gush  out, 
followed  with  sinking,  have  a bad  odor.  One  grain 
3rd  every  three  hours. 

Mercury  Core. — Green  discharges  streaked  with 
mucous  or  blood,  accompanied  by  straining  effort. 
One  grain  3rd  every  four  hours. 

Yeratrum  vxrde. — Coldness  of  extremities,  head 
hot,  thirst,  nausea,  vomiting.  Six  pellets  every 
two  hours. 

Phosphorous. — Odorless,  clay  colored  discharges. 
Four  pellets  every  hour. 

Dysentery  is  indicated  by  mucous  and  blood  with 
straining.  It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  rectum 
and  large  intestines.  Warm  flaxseed  tea  injec- 
tions after  the  discharge  give  great  relief.  Com- 
presses should  be  pat  on  the  bowels  for  an  hour  or 
two  at  a time,  three  or  four  times  a day. 

If  much  fever,  a general  pack  gives  great  relief. 

To  pack  a child,  remove  all  its  clothing,  put  on 
its  night-dress,  lay  in  the  crib  on  a woolen  blanket; 
wet  the  night-dress  with  tepid  water,  using  a 
sponge;  hot  bottle  to  the  feet. 

Wrap  the  child  closely  in  the  blanket  and  be 
sure  reaction  takes  place.  Let  it  lie  in  this  one 
hour,  when  it  should  be  sponged  carefully  and 
wiped  dry.  This  pack  is  indicated  in  any  disease 
of  children  where  there  is  sufficient  fever  and  heat 
to  produce  reaction.  Remember  the  simplest 
measures  are  often  the  most  effectual. 

The  following  article  I published  in  the  Sani- 


214 


INFANTILE  DIARKHGLA. 


tarian , July,  1883,  and  though  it  applies  to  chil- 
dren of  the  second  summer  mainly,  contains  useful 
hints.  I reproduce  it  here: 

“ This  disease  is  the  1 summer  complaint,’  which 
is  the  terror  of  mothers  during  the  months  of  July 
and  August.  It  is  an  inflammation  or  irritation 
of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestines,  and  by 
some  is  called  intestinal  catarrh.  Owing  to  denti- 
tion and  change  of  food,  children  are  more  liable  to 
this  affection  in  their  second  summer.  They  are 
then  constantly  the  subject  of  anxious  solicitude  by 
parents  and  friends. 

“ If  the  discharges  are  only  frequent  and  yellow, 
unaccompanied  by  pain  or  fever  there  need  be  no 
uneasiness  felt.  It  is  only  an  effort  of  nature  to  re- 
store normal  conditions,  and  better  not  be  inter- 
fered with.  Too  hastily  checking  this  diarrhoea  is 
often  the  cause  of  disease. 

“ The  symptoms  of  ‘ summer  complaint,’  proper, 
are  frequent,  watery  movements,  at  first  may  be 
green  but  soon  become  gray,  brown  and  frothy,  and 
sometimes  have  a mixture  of  phlegm  and  mucous. 
Sometimes  are  foetid,  and  at  times  contain  undi- 
gested food.  May  or  may  not  be  accompanied 
by  pain.  Nausea  and  vomiting  are  frequent 
symptoms,  and  if  severe,  constitute  ‘cholera  infan- 
tum.’ The  surface  of  the  body  is  cold,  often  in  a 
cold  perspiration,  wh’le  the  soles  of  the  feet  and 
palms  of  the  hands  are  dry  and  hot.  Is  usually  at- 
tended with  great  thirst,  and  a quick  pulse,  rang- 
ing from  100  to  140. 

“ Some  children  are  prostrated  at  once  by  the  at- 


INFANTILE  DIAERHCEA. 


215 


tack,  losing  flesh  and  strength  rapidly,  while  oth- 
ers keep  about  many  days.  Appetite  fails,  or  else 
there  are  morbid  cravings,  often  for  the  very 
things  that  increase  the  irritation.  If  the  disease 
is  not  abated,  the  fever  increases,  the  tongue  be- 
comes dry  and  brown,  thirst  increases,  pulse  is 
more  rapid,  the  strength  fails,  great  restlessness 
ensues,  the  brain  becomes  affected,  the  patient 
sinks  into  coma,  and  death  closes  the  scene. 

“ Impure  air  and  improper  diet  are  the  principal 
causes  of  this  disease.  Sleeping  and  living  rooms 
not  being  sufficiently  ventilated,  the  blood  becomes 
poisoned. 

“ Children  are  fed  a mixed  diet  too  soon.  Hich 
and  high  seasoned  food  that  is  even  unsuitable  for 
adults,  except  in  a vigorous  out  door  life,  is  given 
them,  and  at  irregular  hours.  The  delicate  organs 
are  overtaxed,  and  inflammatory  conditions  pro- 
duced. When  a child  is  weaned  it  should  be  fed 
upon  oat,  wheat  and  corn  meal  mush,  bread  and 
milk,  rice,  cracked  wheat,  barley  and  ripe  fruits. 
Food  containing  fats,  meats,  condiments,  and  tea  and 
coffee  should  be  avoided.  Even  most  of  the  vege- 
tables  are  not  especially  adapted  to  children. 

“ Give  them  simple  but  nutritious  diet,  turn 
them,  like  colts,  out  doors,  to  run  and  play  and  you 
will  save  yourselves  anxiety,  save  doctors’  bills, 
and  best  of  all,  6ave  your  children.  Blood  that  is 
too  carbonaceous  can  be  oxygenized  by  plenty  of 
out  door  exercise,  both  by  adults  and  children. 
The  less  clothing  a child  wears  in  hot  weather  ths 
better,  only  I would  advise  that  flannel  be  worr 


216 


INFANTILE  DIABEHCEA. 


next  the  skin.  This  will  prevent  sudden  checking 
of  perspiration.  By  all  means  let  the  little  children 
go  barefoot.  A child  that  has  a sand  pile  to  play 
in,  and  is  allowed  to  run  barefoot,  must  be  of  a 
very  delicate  organization  if  it  can  have  summer 
complaint.  By  direct  contact  with  the  earth,  su- 
per-abundance of  electricity  is  carried  off,  and  thus 
lessens  the  possibility  of  inflammation.  The  child 
that  spends  most  of  its  waiting  hours  out  doors , 
barefooted , seldom  gets  summer  complaint.  He 
has: 

“ * Sleep  that  wakes  in  laughing1  day: 

Health  that  mocks  the  doctors’  rules  ; 

Outward  sunshine;  inward  joy; 

Blessings  on  thee,  barefoot  boy  I* 

“ In  summer  complaint,  give  but  little  food,  and 
that  only  in  a liquid  form.  Barley  water,  rice 
water,  oat  meal  gruel,  bran  jelly,  lemon  jelly 
and  orange  whey,  are  all  good.  Milk  can  be 
used,  if  relished  and  digests.  All  of  these  must 
be  given  in  small  quantities  and  at  regular  inter- 
vals. The  best  drink  is  soft  water.  If  there  is 
vomiting,  a drink  made  by  steeping  whole  corn, 
that  has  been  parched,  is  excellent.  Also  oat  meal 
coffee  is  good.  The  juice  of  acid  fruits  are  benefi- 
cial, and  can  be  used  freely.  But  on  no  account 
allow  the  pulp,  seeds  or  skin  to  be  eaten.  Eemem- 
ber  very  little  nourishment  can  be  appropriated. 
The  child  often  takes  food  on  account  of  thirst. 

“A  compress  wrung  from  cold  water  should  be 
put  upon  the  bowels,  allowed  to  remain  for  two  or 


CB0UP,  THE  MOTHER’S  TEEEOB.  217 

three  hours,  then  remove,  and  bathe  the  part  in 
tepid  water. 

“ If  there  is  pain,  hot  fomentations  will  be  advan- 
tageous. 

“ Under  all  circumstances  avoid  opiates  and  as- 
tringents. These  stop  the  discharges  without  re- 
moving the  cause  and  if  the  disease  does  not  recur 
in  the  same  form,  some  other  organ  is  liable  to  be- 
come affected. 

“[Full  enemas  of  thin  bran  tea,  given  as  warm  as 
can  be  borne,  after  about  every  second  passage,  and 
then,  an  occasional  small  enema,  say  about  half  a 
gill  of  cool  bran  tea,  to  be  retained  (which  can  be 
done  by  gently  pressing  the  anus  with  a folded 
napkin  immediately  on  removing  the  tube  of  the 
syringe),  will  readily  abate  symptoms,  and  pro- 
mote recovery.  Ed.] 

“Keep  the  child  quiet,  in  a well  ventilated  room, 
or  in  the  open  air. 

“A  bed  made  of  the  inside  corn  husks,  stripped 
fine  is  the  best.  A child,  sick  or  well,  should  not 
sleep  on  bed  or  pillows  of  feathers.  By  observing 
these  simple  directions,  most  cases  of  this  dread 
disease  can  be  saved.” 

Croup  is  liable  to  attack  a child  any  time  from 
the  age  of  one  month,  until  nine  or  ten  years  old. 
The  attacks  occur  most  frequently  when  about  two 
or  three, years  of  age.  Nothing  will  make  a moth- 
er’s heart  stand  still  with  alarm  and  terror  more 
quickly  than  to  hear  the  hoarse,  whistling,  sono- 
rous breathing  of  croup.  A few  directions  will  be 
of  service  until  medical  attendance  can  be  obtained 


218 


TWO  VARIETIES  OF  CROUP. 


Authors  recognize  two  varieties,  the  spasmodic 
and  membranous,  and  recently  some  speak  of  diph- 
theritic croup.  In  the  former,  the  inflammation 
does  not  run  so  high,  and  the  hoarseness  and 
difficulty  of  breathing  may  be  reflex  in  its  character, 
still  it  is  usually  attended  with  some  soreness  and 
inflammation  of  the  fauces.  Runs  its  course  more 
rapidly.  Little  or  no  fever.  Usually  the  child 
goes  to  bed  all  right,  and  awakens  about  11  or  12 
o’clock,  with  a loud  ringing  or  rasping  cough,  and 
some  difficulty  of  breathing.  This  attack  relieved 
will  seem  all  right  through  the  following  day,  unless 
an  occasional  cough.  Usually  recurs  three  or  four 
successive  nights  and  seldom  terminates  fatally. 

In  membranous  croup,  there  may  be  slight  hoarse- 
ness and  difficulty  of  breathing  several  days  before 
the  attack  becomes  severe.  The  mucous  mem- 
brane of  the  throat  becomes  red  and  inflamed, 
with  a thick,  ropy  exudation  that  forms  in  a mem- 
brane, covering  the  entire  fauces.  Fever  may  or 
may  not  be  present.  Symptoms  remain  much  the 
same  day  and  night.  Duration  of  the  disease  from 
two  to  fourteen  days. 

The  following  are  a few  of  the  symptoms  to  dis- 
tinguish between  the  different  forms  of  croup: 


TRUE  AND  FALSE  CROUP. 


219 


TRUE  OR  MEMBRANOUS 
CROUP. 

Symptoms  slight  at  first. 

Begins  any  time. 

Cough  harsh  and  rough. 

Voice  weak,  inclined  to 
whisper. 

Always  membrane  and  vis- 
ible. 

No  fetor. 

Membrane  lies  upon  mu- 
cous membrane,  is  loose  and 
can  be  removed  easily. 

Membrane  invades  the  lar- 
ynx from  below  and  progres- 
ses upward. 

Is  always  continuous  and 
glairy. 


FALSE  OR  SPASMODIC  CROUP. 

Severe  at  first. 

Begins  from  ten  to  twelve 
o’clock  at  night. 

Cough  loud  and  ringing. 

Voice  hoarse. 

No  membrane. 

DIPHTHERIA. 

Fetid  breath. 

Membrane  dips  down  in  tha 
mucous  membrane. 

Is  tenacious,  firm,  adherent. 

Can  not  be  detached. 

Membrane  invades  the  lar- 
ynx from  above  and  progres- 
ses downward,  and  often  is 
seen  in  patches. 


Many  cases  of  spasmodic  croup  are  relieved  en 
tirely  by  simply  using  promptly  a compress  of  ic& 
cold  water:  wearing  it  day  and  night,  cover  well 
with  a small  woolen  shawl.  Apply  to  the  throat 
only.  Renew  in  one  or  two  hours,  if  the  first  ap- 
plication does  not  give  relief.  Have  known  many 
families  with  croupy  children  never  to  resort  to  any 
other  means,  feeling  confident  that  this  would  give 
certain  relief. 

The  following  remedy  I have  used  for  years  with 
the  happiest  result.  Families  that  have  croupy 
children  keep  it  in  the  house,  and  I seldom  have 
to  be  called  out  at  night  by  regular  patrons  for 
croup.  It  can  be  put  up  at  any  homeopathic 
pharmacy,  or  obtained  by  sending  to  my  address. 


220 


ICE  COLD  COMPRESS. 


Tartar  Emetic,  2d  trit.  3ij 
Aconite  Tincture,  gtts  ij 

Mix.  Dry  out,  triturate  half  an  hour.  Put  six 
grains  in  twelve  tea-spoons  of  water,  and  give  in 
tea-spoonful  doses  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  It 
is  not  necessary  that  the  emetic  effect  of  the  drug 
should  be  secured.  It  has  a specific  action  upon 
the  air  passages,  and  is  an  invaluable  remedy  in 
many  of  the  acute  affections  of  them.  Aconite 
alone  gives  relief  frequently,  and  many  physicians 
use  no  other  remedy.  The  two  together  in  the 
above  preparation  have  seldom  failed  me,  and  as  an 
old  friend  I recommend  it.  During  the  day  follow- 
ing the  attack  give  a tea-spoonful  of  the  remedy 
once  in  two  hours.  Keep  the  child  on  a light  diet 
and  free  from  exposure. 

In  membranous  or  diphtheritic  croup,  of  course, 
the  services  of  a physician  will  always  be  secured 
if  possible.  My  “ sheet-anchor”  for  both  these  af- 
fections haa  been  proto-iodide  of  mercury.  Of  this 
I give  the  second  trituration  in  grain  doses  every 
two  hours.  Often  give  the  prescription  recom- 
mended for  spasmodic  croup  at  the  same  time,  a tea- 
spoonful every  twenty  or  thirty  minutes.  Other 
remedies,  such  as  iodine,  bromine,  nitrate  of  amyl, 
bichromate  of  potassa,  phosphorus,  etc.,  are  used  as 
the  symptoms  indicate;  but  the  proto-iodide  or 
bin-iodide  of  mercury  will  meet  the  exigencies  of 
more  cases  than  any  other  one  known  remedy.  Of 
course  hot  baths,  hot  fomentations  and  cold  com- 
presses must  be  brought  into  requisition.  I have 
seen  great  relief  even  where  the  disease  seemed  in 


0AUS3  OF  DIPHTHERIA. 


221 


the  last  stages  from  a poultice  of  fresh  phytolacca, 
(pokeroot)  applied  to  the  throat.  This  is  made  by 
pounding  the  root  and  mixing  it  with  hot  flaxseed 
or  meal  poultice.  Not  being  able  to  procure  it,  fluid 
extract  can  be  used. 

Diphtheria  is  now  considered  an  infectious  dis- 
ease, produced  by  bacteria  or  infusoria  that  inocu- 
late the  patient.  Many  claim  to  be  able  to  cure 
the  disease  by  local  means  only,  while  the  invasion 
is  only  local,  before  the  entire  system  is  poisoned. 
A child  in  robust  health  will  usually  resist  the  in- 
fection. The  following  methods  of  treatment  are 
highly  vaunted  for  their  efficacy.  Since  they  have 
been  known  my  practice  has  been  mostly  in  chronic 
cases  and  I have  not  had  opportunities  to  test  them. 
Both  of  the  drugs  recommended  are  invaluable  in 
destroying  infusoria,  and  have  been  used  in  the 
hands  of  eminent  practitioners  with  success: 

“ Put  a tea-spoonful  of  sulphur  into  a wine  glass 
of  water  and  stir  it  with  the  finger  instead  of  a 
spoon,  as  the  sulphur  does  not  readily  amalgamate 
with  water.  When  the  sulphur  is  well  mixed,  then 
it  is  to  be  given  to  the  patient  to  gargle,  and  after 
gargling  to  swallow  it,  and  the  patient  will  be  out 
of  danger  in  ten  minutes.  When  the  fungus  is  too 
nearly  closing  to  allow  the  gargling,  the  sulphur, 
in  that  case,  should  be  thrown  through  a quill  into 
the  throat,  and  after  the  fungus  has  shrunk  to  allow 
of  it,  then  the  gargling.  If  a patient  can  not  gar- 
gle, take  a live  coal,  put  it  on  a shovel,  and  sprinkle 
a spoonful  of  flour  of  brimstone  upon  it;  let  the 
sufferer  inhale  it  by  holding  the  head  over  it,  and  the 


222 


REMEDIES  FOB  DIPHTHERIA. 


fungus  will  die.  Sulphur  kills  everv  species  of 
fungus  in  man,  beast  and  plant  in  a few  minutes. 
A few  days  ago  at  Princess  Mary’s  Cottage  Home, 
London,  an  outbreak  of  diphtheria  attacked  fifty 
of  the  inmates.  One  of  the  lady  nurses  cured 
them  all  by  causing  the  patients  to  gargle  with  sul- 
phur and  swallow  the  gargle.” 

“Take  ten  grains  of  permanganate  of  potassium 
and  mix  with  one  ounce  of  cold  water.  As  soon 
as  dissolved  it  must  be  applied  with  a rag  or 
sponge,  mop  or  swab,  to  the  whitish  places  in  the 
tonsils  and  other  parts  that  have  the  diphtheria 
membrane  on.  Do  this  very  gently,  but  thorough- 
ly, every  three  hours  until  better;  then  every  six 
hours  until  well.  It  does  not  give  pain,  but  is 
rather  nauseous  to  the  taste.  If  the  tongue  is 
coated  white,  I mix  one  drachm  of  hyposulphite 
of  soda  and  five  drops  of  oil  sassafras  in  four 
ounces  of  sirup  made  of  sugar  and  hot  water,  and 
give  a tea-spoonful  every  one  to  three  hours  as 
needed,  when  awake.  If  the  tongue  is  not  coated 
white,  I mix  twenty  drops  of  tincture  of  phytolacca 
in  four  ounces  of  cold  water  and  give  a tea-spoon- 
ful every  one  to  three  hours  as  needed,  when 
awake.  The  phytolacca  is  the  common  poke-root 
of  the  South,  and,  as  it  loses  its  strength  by  dry- 
ing and  age,  the  tincture  should  be  from  the  fresh 
root,  or  it  is  worthless. 

It  is  well  to  apply  a little  sweet-oil  or  cosmoline 
to  the  outside  of  the  throat  to  protect  it  from  the 
action  of  the  air,  as  the  patient  must  be  protected 
from  all  danger  of  getting  chilled. 


CONVULSIONS. 


223 


In  the  beginning  of  the  disease,  in  mild  cases, 
the  above  solution  of  permanganate  of  potassium 
is  all  that  is  needed,  as  the  disease  is  local 
at  first,  but  it  rapidly  affects  the  whole  system 
when  seated.  In  the  stinking  form  of  diphtheria 
this  solution  soon  destroys  all  smell,  and  in  every 
case  it  destroys  the  diphtheria  membrane  without 
leaving  any  bad  effect  behind.” 

Convulsions  rarely  attack  very  young  infants 
unless  from  malformation  of  the  heart.  Convul- 
sions usually  accompany  teething,  indigestion, 
whooping  cough,  fevers,  worms,  indeed  any  disease 
that  causes  a reflex  action  upon  the  brain.  Oc- 
casionally a child  has  a convulsion  without  any 
premonitory  symptom,  but  usually  there  will  be 
restlessness  in  sleep,  a rolling  of  the  head,  twitching 
of  the  limbs  with  clenched  fists,  stertorious 
breathing  and  heavy,  lethargic  sleep.  From  this 
condition  there  is  suddenly  involuntary  muscular 
contractions,  rolling  of  the  eyes,  frothing  at  the 
mouth  and  the  head  drawn  backward.  "Whatever  is 
to  be  done  must  be  done  quickly  and  generally 
before  medical  aid  can  be  summoned.  First,  the 
mother  and  attendants  must  command  themselves. 
Nothing  is  more  frightful  than  to  see  a little  one 
in  convulsions,  but  upon  no  occasion  is  self-posses- 
sion more  needed.  Remember,  children  rarely  die 
in  the  first  paroxysm. 

Get  the  child  into  hot  water  as  soon  as  possible. 
Don’t  wait  to  remove  its  clothing;  put  it  into"' a 
foot-tub  or  child’s  bath  tub,  the  water  as  hot  as  can 
be  borne,  supporting  it  on  two  hands.  Add  from 


224 


PITCHES  OF  HOT  WATEB. 


time  to  time  as  much  hot  water  as  the  hands  will 
bear.  It  should  remain  in  the  bath  until  relaxa- 
tion is  produced,  and  have  blankets  well  heated 
and  wrap  it  in  them. 

If  there  is  not  sufficient  warm  water  in  the  house 
for  a bath,  it  is  often  quite  as  effectual  to  take  a 
pitcher  of  hot  water,  turn  the  child  upon  its  face, 
hold  it  over  a pail,  and  pour  the  water  on  the  back 
of  the  neck.  This  is  more  easily  managed  than  a 
bath,  and  often  is  all  that  is  requisite  to  bring 
about  relaxation.  A bag  of  hot  salt  laid  to  the 
back  of  the  neck  will  prevent  a return.  If  there  is 
constipation  or  irritation  in  the  bowels,  give  a 
copious  enema  of  warm  soft  water.  If  worms  are 
suspected  add  a tea-spoonful  of  salt  to  one  pint  of 
water. 

For  further  treatment,  as  there  are  so  many  dif- 
ferent things  that  will  cause  spasms,  one  better  de- 
pend upon  their  medial  adviser. 


CHAPTER  XVIIL 


ABORTION. 

Abortion  or  miscarriage  is  the  term  applied  to 
the  death  and  expulsion  of  the  fetus  previous  to 
six  months,  after  that  and  before  full  term  it  is 
called  premature  delivery. 

The  liability  to  abortion  is  more  frequent  at  the 
beginning  and  during  the  third  month.  It  is 
usually  produced  by  occasional  loss  of  blood,  which 
rarely  is  excessive  at  first,  but  from  three  days  to 
three  weeks,  increases  in  frequency  and  quantity 
until  it  absolutely  amounts  to  hemorrhage.  The 
first  symptom  in  some  instances  is  a violent  chill. 
In  such  cases  soreness,  heat  and  pain  is  soon  locat- 
ed in  the  pelvis  and  the  flowing  may  be  deferred 
for  a few  days.  One  may  have  continuous  pain 
more  or  less  severe  until  the  embryo  is  expelled; 
or  it  may  come  up  at  irregular  intervals  from  day 
to  day  for  some  two  or  three  weeks,  there  being 
such  complete  intermissions  that  the  patient  will 
hope  each  time  that  all  danger  is  over  and  that  ges- 
tation may  be  completed. 

The  danger  to  the  mother  is  from  hemorrhage, 
before  the  expulsion  of  the  embryo,  and  from  re- 
tentions of  membranes  after  the  fetus  is  born. 
These  decaying  in  the  uterus,  the  poison  is  absorbed 
in  the  system  and  septicaemia  is  the  result 
(225) 


226 


CAUSES  OF  ABORTION. 


The  causes  of  abortion,  both  remote  and  exciting, 
are  numerous.  Any  disease  of  the  womb  that 
takes  away  its  vitality  or  prevents  its  enlargement 
will  result  in  death  of  the  fetus.  Any  general 
disease  or  condition  of  the  system  that  results  in 
weakness  or  feebleness  may  make  the  continuance 
of  life  in  the  embryo  impossible. 

Lack  of  room  in  the  pelvis  and  abdomen  is  a 
frequent  cause  of  abortion  in  first  pregnancies. 
This  is  the  result  of  tight  and  heavy  clothing  with 
insufficient  exercise.  Remaining  too  much  in-doors 
and  suffering  the  debilitating  effects  of  impure, 
heated  atmosphere,  is  also  a remote  cause.  The 
violation  of  the  laws  of  sexual  congress  is  another. 
The  recent  causes  are  lifting,  straining,  a fall,  a jar, 
a blow,  a violent  cold,  or  an  acute  attack  of  disease, 
sudden  mental  emotions,  etc.  The  system  so  soon 
takes  on  any  habit  that  one  once  having  aborted  is 
very  liable  to  a recurrence  of  the  same  disappoint- 
ment in  subsequent  pregnancies,  and  that  at  about 
the  same  period.  Ho  prevent  a miscarriage  observe 
faithfully  the  hygienic  rules  laid  down  in  this  book. 
Make  the  best  possible  conditions  for  health  in 
every  direction.  Once  threatened  with  abortion, 
hemorrhage  ever  so  slight  having  set  in,  a woman 
should  by  all  means  take  her  bed  and  observe  per- 
fect quiet.  She  must  run  no  risks.  Apply  com- 
presses and  take  frequent  short,  tepid  sitz-baths, 
live  on  a mild,  cooling  diet,  and  the  danger  may  be 
averted.  The  principal  remedies  to  be  thought  of 
are: 

Aconite , if  there  is  a chill  or  fever  with  quick 


PRETENTION  OF  ABORTION. 


227 


pulse  and  flow  of  bright  red  blood.  Six  drops  of 
first  dilution  in  a glass  full  of  water;  take  a table- 
spoonful  every  hour. 

Secale,  cramp-like  pains,  blood  clotted  and  dark, 
cadaverous  expression  of  face.  Dose:  Six  pellets 
every  two  hours. 

Cimicifuga,  pain  in  the  back  of  the  neck,  aching 
in  the  limbs,  back  and  groin,  with  pressing  bearing 
down.  Dose:  Oue  grain,  second  trituration,  every 
two  hours. 

A woman  requires  the  same  attention  and  treat- 
ment during  and  after  a miscarriage,  that  she  re- 
quires in  a confinement.  She  should  take  quite  as 
long  to  get  up  from  it.  A labor  at  full  term  is  nat- 
ural; a miscarriage  is  unnatural,  and  often  re- 
quires a longer  time  for  the  system  to  recover  from 
the  shock. 

A produced  abortion,  whether  by  drugs,  inten- 
tional shocks,  electricity,  or  by  instrumental  inter- 
ference, either  by  one’s  own  hand  or  by  the  hand  of 
a surgeon,  is  feticide. 

Many  women  have  been  taught  to  think  that  the 
child  is  not  viable  until  after  quickening,  and  that 
there  is  no  harm  to  arrest  pregnancy  previous  to 
the  feeling  of  motion;  others  believe  there  is  no 
life  until  birth,  and  the  cry  of  the  child  is  heard. 

“The  absurdity  of  the  principle  upon  which 
these  distinctions  are  founded  is  easy  of  demon- 
stration. 

“ The  fetus,  previous  to  the  time  of  quickening, 
must  be  either  dead  or  living.  Now,  that  it  is  not 
the  former,  is  most  evident  from  neither  putrefac- 


228 


FETICIDE. 


tion  dot  decomposition  taking  place,  which  wonld 
be  the  consequence  of  an  extinction  of  the  vital  prin- 
ciple. The  embryo,  therefore,  before  the  crisis, 
must  be  in  a state  different  from  that  of  death,  and 
that  can  be  no  other  than  life.” 

When  the  female  germ  and  male  sperm  unite, 
then  is  the  inception  of  a new  life;  all  that  goes  to 
make  up  a human  being — body,  mind  and  spirit, 
must  be  contained  in  embryo  within  this  minute 
organism.  Life  must  be  present  from  the  very  mo- 
ment of  conception.  If  there  was  not  life  there 
could  be  no  conception.  At  what  other  period  of  a 
human  being’s  existence,  either  pre-natal  or  post- 
natal, could  the  union  of  soul  and  body  take  place? 
Is  it  not  plain  that  the  violent  or  forcible  depriva- 
tion of  existence  of  this  embryo,  the  removal  of  it 
from  the  citadel  of  life,  is  its  premature  death,  and 
hence  the  act  can  be  denominated  by  no  more  mild 
term  than  murder,  and  whoever  performs  the  act, 
or  is  accessory  to  it,  in  the  sight  of  God  and  human 
law,  is  guilty  of  the  crime  of  all  crimes? 

By  what  false  reasoning  does  she  who  feels  that 
the  life  of  the  babe  who  draws  its  sustenance  from 
the  snow  white  fountain,  is  more  precious  than  all 
else  to  her,  whose  heart  is  thrilled  with  a pang  of 
agony  at  thought  of  least  danger  to  its  life,  con- 
vince herself  that  another  life  equally  dependent 
upon  her  for  its  existence,  with  equal  rights  and 
possibilities,  has  no  claim  from  her  for  protection? 
More  than  this,  she  deliberately  strikes  the  red 
hand  of  mufder  and  terminates  its  existence  with 


BH3-HT  TO  EXISTENCE. 


229 


no  thought  of  wrong,  with  no  consciousness  of  the 
violation  of  law. 

The  woman  who  produces  abortion,  or  allows  it 
to  be  produced,  risks  her  own  health  and  life  in  the 
act  and  commits  the  highest  crime  in  the  criminal 
calendar,  for  she  takes  the  life  of  her  own  child. 

She  wrongs  the  child  of  its  right  to  its  exist- 
ence. 

By  a wise  provision  we  are  placed  in  this  world 
for  growth,  development  and  preparation  for  an- 
other life.  As  we  leave  this  life,  we  must  enter  the 
other.  In  so  far  as  a human  being  is  deprived  of 
this  existence,  to  that  extent  he  is  deprived  of 
schooling  and  preparation  for  the  other  life. 

Pause  for  one  moment  and  think  of  the  thou- 
sands of  stunted,  dwarfed  beings  that  are  prema- 
turely ushered  into  an  existence  that  can  not  be  the 
normal  and  designed.  Were  infants  to  have  been 
born  into  spirit  life,  provision  would  have  been 
made  to  that  effect.  That  they  are  born  into  this 
life  is  proof  that  this  world  is  best  adapted  for  their 
growth  and  education. 

There  can  be  no  harm  in  preventing  the  concep- 
tion of  a life,  but  once  conceived  it  should  not  be 
deprived  of  its  existence  in  that  world  which  in  all 
its  appointments  is  specially  adapted  to  its  wants. 

What  are  some  of  the  incentives  to  produce 
abortion  ? 

An  unmarried  woman,  seduced  under  false  rep- 
resentations by  a man  who  feels  no  responsibility 
for  his  own  offspring,  suffers  all  the  shame  and  con- 


230 


FALSE  PROMISES. 


tumely  of  the  act  and  is  tempted  to  cause  miscar- 
riage to  shield  her  good  name. 

Married  women  who  fear  maternity  will  inter- 
fere with  their  pleasures,  are  guilty  of  forcibly 
curtailing  embryotic  existence. 

Others,  again,  who  are  poor  or  are  burdened  with 
care  or  grief,  or  have  licentious  or  drunken  hus- 
bands, shrink  from  adding  to  an  already  overbur- 
dened existence. 

The  first  class,  the  girls  who  have  lost  their 
virtue  under  promise  of  marriage — are  most 
deserving  of  sympathy  and  commiseration,  though 
none  receive  less.  “Let  him  who  is  without  sin 
cast  the  first  stone.”  At  the  least  imputation 
against  a fair  girl’s  character,  even  the  followers  of 
the  loving  Christ,  have  so  little  leniency,  so  little  of 
the  Father’s  love  in  their  hearts,  that  they  hug 
their  Christian  robes  to  their  bodies,  lest  they 
be  contaminated  by  the  polluting  touch  of  the 
victim.  They  “ pass  by  on  the  other  side  ” and 
leave  the  poor  broken-hearted  child  bleeding  by 
the  wayside. 

The  girl’s  lessons  of  life  and  purity  have  been 
learned  mainly  from  one  she  loved  and  trusted, 
only  to  be  betrayed.  "What  wonder  in  her  igno- 
rance of  the  value  of  life  she  should  be  tempted  to 
add  a second  wrong  to  the  first!  She  knows  the 
shadow  that  has  darkened  her  path ; she  realizes : 

“ Alas ! for  the  rarity 
Of  Christian  charity 
Under  the  sun.’' 

And  if  she  can  conceal  the  evidence  of  her  guilt, 


PERSONAL  PLEASURES. 


231 


she  may  by  honest  endeavor  retrieve  her  good 
name,  and  thus  is  tempted  to  produce  abortion. 
Two  wrongs  can  not  make  one  right.  Before 
God  and  her  own  conscience,  the  only  tribunals 
that  in  justice  have  any  right  to  accuse  her,  she 
can  not  by  any  act  shield  herself.  When  girls  are 
given  proper  instruction  upon  the  relation  of  the 
sexes  and  understand  how  to  govern  and  guard 
themselves,  when  young  men  are  taught  that 
virtue  has  as  high  a meaning  for  one  sex  as 
another,  that  protective  chivalry  of  which  they 
boast  does  not  imply  that  they  shall  force  the 
woman  with  whom  they  associate,  to  the  defensive, 
and  that  the  paternal  interest  in  and  responsibili- 
ties for  a child  are  equal  to  the  maternal , then  the 
temptation  to  produce  abortion  for  the  purpose  of 
shielding  one’s  character  would  not  exist. 

Of  the  second  class,  who  produce  miscarriage  for 
personal  pleasures,  there  is  little  to  say  in  extenu- 
ation. They  may  be  victims  of  ignorance  or  of  a 
false  education.  The  maternal  instinct  is  inherent 
in  every  woman’s  heart.  It  seems  strange  that 
any  morbid  idea  of  pleasure  could  antagonize  the 
natural  aspirations  to  such  an  extent  that  she  could 
destroy  the  viability  of  her  own  offspring. 

I well  remember  years  ago  the  wife  of  a well-to- 
do  lawyer  making  application  to  me  to  assist  her  out 
of  what  she  called  trouble.  She  had  but  one  child, 
and  he  three  years  of  age,  and  was  surrounded  by 
every  comfort  a prosperous  business  man  could 
give.  I sought  the  cause  of  the  unnatural  prompt- 
ings of  this  intelligent  woman’s  heart.  It  seems  a 


232 


CONSUMPTION  THE  RESULT. 


trip  to  Europe  was  contemplated  and  planned  for  in 
the  early  summer,  and  this  unexpected  and  chance 
maternity  would  thwart  their  expectations.  With 
ail  the  arguments  1 then  possessed,  I showed  her 
the  wrong  she  sought  to  do,  but  nothing  seemed  to 
weigh  against  the  proposed  trip.  She  returned  the 
second  and  third  time  even,  armed  with  a lawyer’s 
sophistry  to  endeavor  to  persuade  me  to  be  acces- 
sory to  the  diabolical  deed.  No  doubt  one  cause 
of  her  persistency  was  fear  of  trusting  her  secret  to 
me  unless  she  could  persuade  me  to  be  an  accom- 
plice. 

She  probably  found  some  one  to  assist  her  out  of 
the  “ trouble  ” for  she  took  the  proposed  trip,  but  1 
was  not  astonished  to  know  in  three  or  four  years 
from  that  time  she  was  lying  at  death’s  door  with 
consumption.  How  many  times  she  produced 
abortion  I know  not,  but  I was  told  for  months  she 
suffered  from  uterine  hemorrhages  and  in  the  weak- 
ened state  of  her  system  a violent  cold  settled  upon 
her  lungs  which  soon  terminated  her  life.  This 
was  the  physical  result  of  the  crime  she  had  commit- 
ted. 

Of  the  last  class,  who  have  an  apparent  need  to 
limit  the  size  of  the  family,  what  can  be  said  in 
extenuation  ot  their  committing  this  crime?  Shall 
not  the  mother,  who  already  has  many  children, 
who  is  herself  sick,  nervous  and  prostrated,  or  else 
has  a husband  who  is  diseased  or  a drunkard,  leav- 
ing her  the  support  of  the  family,  save  herself 
more  care  by  arresting  the  life  of  the  embryo?  The 
heart  goes  out  in  sympathy  for  all  such,  but  even 


UNWELCOME  CHILDREN. 


233 


the  most  aggravating  circumstances  can  not  atone 
for  the  crime.  The  whole  nature  of  every  true 
woman  revolts  against  forced  maternity  under  any 
condition. 

When  children  are  begotten  under  the  most 
adverse  conditions,  then  indeed  a great  wrong  is 
committed.  Women  must  learn  the  laws  of  life 
so  as  to  protect  themselves,  and  not  be  the  means 
of  bringing  sin-cursed,  diseased  children  into  the 
world.  The  remedy  is  in  the  prevention  of  preg- 
nancy, not  in  producing  abortion.  When  men  and 
women  have  learned  the  wise  control  of  the  pro- 
creative  functions,  then  may  we  hope  that  children 
will  be  begotten  in  love  and  unselfishness.  It  is 
the  undesired  and  undesigned  maternity  that  is 
revolting  to  the  nature  of  woman.  As  long  as  men 
feel  they  have  a right  to  indulgence  of  the  passions 
under  law,  no  matter  what  the  circumstances,  what 
the  condition  of  the  wife,  or  the  probabilities  of 
maternity,  so  long  will  the  spirit  of  rebellion  take 
possession  of  women  and  the  temptation  enter  their 
souls  to  relieve  themselves  of  this  unsought  bur- 
den. May  the  day  soon  arrive  when  men  will 
learn  that  even  passion  can  serve  reason,  and  grati- 
fication at  least  should  not  be  sought  at  the  ex- 
pense of  conjugal  happiness  and  unwelcome  chil- 
dren. 


DIETETICS. 


In  what  thou  eatest  and  drinkest,  seeking  from  thence 
Due  nourishment,  not  gluttonous  delight, 

So  mayst  thou  live,  till,  like  ripe  fruit,  thou  drop 
Into  thy  mother’s  lap;  or  be  with  ease 
Gathered,  not  harshly  plucked;  for  death  mature. 

Milton. 

DRINKS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

LEMONADE. 

Juice  of  half  a lemon,  one  tea-spoon  white  sugar, 
one  goblet  water.  Grate  in  a little  rind  if  desired. 

HOT  LEMONADE. 

Is  made  the  same  way,  only  using  hot  water.  Is 
good  for  colds  and  biliousness. 

ORANGE  WHET. 

The  juice  of  one  orange  to  one  pint  sweet  milk. 
Heat  slowly  until  curds  form,  strain  and  cool.  Good 
drink  after  confinement. 

RENNET  WHET. 

One  quart  milk,  almost  boiling;  two  table-spoons 
prepared  rennet,  or  a piece  of  rennet  which  ha3 
been  soaked  in  water.  Sugar  to  taste.  Stir  the 
rennet  into  the  hot  milk;  let  it  stand  until  cool, 
then  strain. 

WINE  WHET. 

Pint  sweet  milk,  sugar  to  taste,  add  a little  cin- 
(234) 


DIETETICS. 


235 


namon.  Stir  in  two  table-spoons  claret  wine.  This 
will  thicken  the  milk,  and  in  about  half  an  hour 
makes  a cooling,  pleasant  food  for  one  recovering 
from  fever. 

EGO  LEMOXADE. 

'WTiite  of  one  egg,  one  table-spoon  pulverized 
sugar.  Juice  of  one  lemon,  one  goblet  water.  Beat 
together.  Very  grateful  in  inflammation  of  lungs, 
stomach  or  bowels. 

GTJM  ARABIC  WATER. 

One  tea-spoon  gum  arabie,  one  goblet  cold  water; 
stand  until  it  dissolves.  Flavor  with  juice  of  lemon, 
orange  or  any  other  fruit. 

JELLY  WATER. 

Sour  jellies  dissolved  in  water  make  a pleasant 
drink  for  fever  patients. 

OATMEAL  TEA. 

Two  table-spoons  raw  oatmeal  to  one  quart  cold 
water,  stand  two  hours  in  a cool  place,  then  drain 
off  as  it  is  wanted. 

TOAST  WATER. 

Toast  slowly  a thin  piece  of  bread  till  it  is 
extremely  brown  and  hard,  but  not  black.  Put  it 
in  a bowl  of  cold  water,  and  cover  tightly.  Let  it 
stand  an  hour  before  using. 

SAGO  MILE. 

Three  table-spoons  sago,  soaked  in  a cup  of  cold 
water  one  hour;  add  three  cups  boiling  milk,  sweeten 
and  flavor  to  taste.  Simmer  slowly  half  hour,  eat 
warm.  Tapioca  milk  is  made  in  the  same  way. 

15 


236 


DIETETICS. 


FLAXSEED  LEMONADE. 

Two  table-spoons  of  whole  flaxseed  to  a pint  of 
boiling  water;  let  it  stand  until  cool,  then  strain 
and  add  the  juice  of  two  lemons  and  two  table- 
spoons honey. 

Invaluable  for  coughs  and  suppression  of  urine. 

TAMARIND  WATER. 

One  tumbler  of  tamarinds,  one  pint  cold  water. 
Turn  water  over  tamarinds,  and  let  it  stand  an  hour; 
strain  before  using.  Current  jelly  or  cranberry 
jelly  can  be  used  similarly. — Mrs.  F.  Owens. 

BEEF  TEA. 

One  pound  lean  beef  cut  into  small  pieces,  put 
into  a bottle  without  a drop  of  water,  cover  tightly 
and  set  in  a pot  of  cold  water;  heat  gradually  to  a 
boil,  and  continue  boiling  steadily  for  three  or  four 
hours,  until  the  meat  is  like  rags  and  the  juice  all 
out.  Salt  to  taste. 

Beef  tea  does  not  afford  as  much  nutrition  as 
people  have  been  taught.  It  is  readily  taken  up 
by  absorption,  and  is  desirable  where  a mild  stim- 
ulant is  required.  In  fevers  and  inflammations, 
bran  or  oatmeal  gruel  furnish  much  more  desirable 
nutrition. 

BEEF  TEA  A STIMULANT,  AND  NOT  A FOOD. 

Notwithstanding  it  has  been  repeatedly  shown 
that  beef  tea  is  not  a food,  the  laity,  and  to  a con- 
siderable extent  the  profession,  are  slow  to  be  con- 
vinced. That  patients  fed  on  beef  tea  slowly  starve 
Ls  a fact,  which  the  analysis  only  too  conclusively 
supports,  and  which  is  sustained  by  accurate  clin- 


DIETETICS* 


237 


ical  observation.  In  the  Lancet  for  October,  1880, 
p.  562,  Mr.  G.  F.  Masterman  publishes  an  analysis, 
which  shows  that  beef  tea  has  a chemical  composi- 
tion similar  to  urine.  Beef  tea,  most  carefully  pre- 
pared, says  Dr.  Neale  in  a recent  issue  of  the 
Practitioner  (November,  18S1),  does  not  contain, 
including  alkaline  salts,  more  than  from  1.5  to  2.25 
per  cent,  of  solid  matters,  and  such  matter  is 
mainly  composed  of  urea,  kreatin,  kreatinin,  isolin 
and  decomposed  haematin.  As  a stimulant,  beef 
tea  may  be,  and  often  is,  highly  serviceable,  but  as 
a means  of  support  during  the  exhausting  drain  of 
a long  illness,  it  does  not  compare  in  nutritive  value 
to  milk.  Dr.  Lauder  Brunton  raises  the  question 
whether  beef  tea,  a product  of  muscular  waste,  may 
not  under  some  circumstances  be  actually  poisonous ! 
— Medical  News. 

RICE  GRUEL. 

Two  tablespoons  rice ; one  quart  cold  water ; 
steep  slowly  one  hour;  strain  through  a gravy 
strainer  ; add  a little  cream  and  salt.  Gruel  from 
rice  flour:  Wet  one  tablespoon  flour;  stir  into 

boiling  water ; cook  five  minutes. 

CORN  TEA. 

Parch  common  corn  until  browned  through,  grind 
and  pour  on  boiling  water.  Drink  with  or  without 
cream. 

Excellent  for  nausea,  vomiting  and  diarrhoea. 

WHEAT  OR  BARLEY  COFFEE. 

Brown  wheat  or  barley  thoroughly,  and  grind. 
Take  two  table-spoonsful.  Mix  with  the  white 
of  an  egg,  pour  over  one  quart  of  boiling  water. 


238 


dietetics. 


When  it  comes  to  a boil,  set  it  on  the  back  part  of 
the  stove  and  steep  slowly  fifteen  minutes.  A 
nourishing  drink  and  a good  substitute  for  tea  and 
coffee.  When  made  right  is  very  palatable. 

BEAN  GEUEL. 

Boil  half  an  hour  one  pint  of  bran  of  white 
wheat,  in  three  pints  of  water.  Strain  through  a 
gravy  strainer  and  add  a little  salt.  This  is  a good 
gruel  for  fevers  and  inflammations.  Makes  a good 
drink  by  thinning  and  adding  lemon  juice. 

COEN  MEAL  GETTER. 

One  table-spoon  finely  sifted  corn  meal  wet  in 
cold  water.  Have  one  quart  boiling  water  in  a 
gruel  pan,  dip  a spoonful  of  this  thin  cold  batter 
into  the  water,  stir,  let  it  boil  up,  and  then  add 
another  spoonful,  and  so  on  until  the  gruel  is  of 
the  right  consistence.  Let  it  boil  briskly  twenty 
minutes  or  more.  Salt  to  taste. 

GEAHAM  GRUEL. 

Make  like  corn  meal  gruel.  Can  be  strained  or 
not,  as  desired. 

OATMEAL  GEUEL. 

Sift  two  table-spoons  of  oatmeal  in  one  quart 
boiling  water.  If  the  meal  is  coarse,  boil  one  hour 
and  strain  through  a gravy  strainer. 

MILK  PORRIDGE. 

One  and  a half  table-spoons  flour,  wet  to  a paste, 
stirred  in  a quart  of  boiling  milk;  add  a pinch  of 
salt;  can  be  thickened  with  rice  flour,  oatmeal, 
arrowroot,  corn  starch  or  the  entire  wheat  flour. 


DIETETICS. 


239 


BAXED  MILKi 

Put  half  a gallon  of  milk  in  a jar  and  tie  it 
down  with  writing  paper.  Let  it  stand  in  a 
moderate  oven  eight  or  ten  hours.  It  will  be  like 
cream  and  is  good  for  consumptives  and  invalids 
generally. — Mrs.  F.  Owens. 

HOT  MILK. 

Take  nine  parts  of  milk  and  one  part  of  water, 
and  heat  to  110°  F.  in  a milk  boiler.  Sipping 
this  slowly  the  saliva  combines  with  the  milk  and 
this  with  the  added  water  will  prevent  coagulation 
in  the  stomach;  hence  will  be  taken  up  at  once  by 
the  absorbents.  This  is  valuable  food  in  morning 
sickness  of  pregnancy  and  for  nursing  women.  Is 
also  good  in  low  fevers  and  nervous  dyspepsia. 

The  Medical  Record , speaking  of  warm  milk  as 
a beverage,  says:  “Milk  heated  to  much  above 

100°  F.  loses  for  the  time  a degree  of  its  sweet- 
ness and  its  density.  Ho  one  who,  fatigued  by 
over-exertion  of  body  or  mind,  has  ever  expe- 
rienced the  reviving  influence  of  a tumbler  of  this 
beverage,  heated  as  hot  as  it  can  be  sipped,  will 
willingly  forego  a resort  to  it  because  of  its 
having  been  rendered  somewhat  less  acceptable  to 
the  palate.  The  promptness  with  which  its  cordial 
influence  is  felt  is  indeed  surprising.  Some  por- 
tion of  it  seems  to  be  digested  and  appropriated 
almost  immediately;  and  many  who  now  fancy 
they  need  alcoholic  stimulants  when  exhausted  by 
fatigue,  will  find  in  this  simple  draught  an  equiva- 
lent that  shall  be  abundantly  satisfying,  and  far 
more  enduring  in  its  effects.” 


240 


DIETETICS. 


BUTTERMILK. 

Buttermilk,  when  sweet  and  fresh  from  the 
churn,  is  nutritious  and  wholesome.  It  contains 
about  88  per  cent,  of  water,  4 of  nitrogenous  food, 
3 of  sugar,  only  a trifle  of  fat,  and  considerable 
mineral  matter,  by  some  estimated  at  over  5 per 
cent.  There  is  also  a small  amount  of  lactic  acid 
As  a heat  producing  food,  it  is  poor.  There 
are  many  forms  of  dyspepsia  in  which  it  “ will  set 
on  the  stomach  ” when  hardly  anything  else  will. 
Often  in  fevers  this  organ  becomes  rebellious  from 
the  effects  of  large  amounts  of  medicine,  and  it  is 
then  a serious  question  how  to  nourish  the  patient. 
In  such  cases  buttermilk  is  often  found  to  be  the 
best  food  that  can  be  given.  In  diabetes  it  may 
be  employed  as  a chief  article  of  diet  to  great  ad- 
vantage. Corpulent  people,  who  will  not  adopt 
the  bread  and  fruit  regimen  and  take  much  exer- 
cise, may  use  buttermilk  in  preference  to  milk.  It 
may  be  put  in  clean  bottles  and  canned  or  sealed, 
as  in  preserving  fruit,  and  kept  for  a long  time. 
After  a little,  one  becomes  fond  of  the  taste  and 
relishes  it.  It  ought  not  to  be  allowed  to  stand 
till  it  is  bitter  before  using. — Dr.  Holbrook. 

BUTTERMILK  POP. 

Put  one  quart  of  buttermilk  in  the  milk  boiler. 
When  nearly  boiling,  add  two  table-spoons  flour 
which  have  been  rubbed  with  one  tea-spoon  of  milk. 
Stir  until  boiling.  Good  in  nausea  and  heart-burn 
of  pregnancy.  Also  for  nervous  dyspepsia.  I 
knew  one  man  that  lived  on  buttermilk  pop  only, 
for  six  months  and  cured  himself  of  dyspepsia. 


DIETETICS. 


241 


CHICKEN  BBOTH. 

In  one  quart  of  water  boil  the  dark  meat  of  half 
& chicken  with  a table-spoon  of  rice  or  barley; 
skim  off  the  fat;  use  as  soon  as  the  rice  is  well 
done.  When  taken  up  add  a few  narrow  strips  of 
bread  toasted — not  too  brown. 

BROWNED  BICE. 

Browned  boiled  rice  eaten  with  boiled  milk  is 
excellent  in  summer  complaint. 

BICE  CKEAM. 

Thicken  a pint  of  new  milk  with  rice  flour  to 
the  consistency  of  cream;  sweeten  and  flavor  to 
taste.  Beat  the  whites  of  two  eggs  to  a stiff  froth, 
put  a half  ounce  of  gelatine  to  half  pint  of  cold 
water;  when  well  soaked,  place  over  the  fire  until 
the  gelatine  is  dissolved;  when  cool,  beat  to  a froth 
with  an  egg  beater;  mix  with  the  egg.  This  is  ex- 
cellent in  inflammation  of  the  bowels. 

MACARONI  SOUP. 

Into  a quart  of  boiling  water  put  a handful  of 
macaroni  broken  into  inch  pieces.  Let  it  boil  an 
hour,  then  add  two  cups  of  strained  stewed  tomato, 
and  just  before  serving  pour  iu  half  a cup  of  cream. 
It  is  delicious. 

FARINA  SOUP. 

Add  to  any  kind  of  soup  stock  one  half  cup  of 
farina,  the  same  of  cream,  or  an  egg  well  beaten 
and  let  it  cook  gently  half  an  hour  before  serving. 

TOMATO  SOUP. 

Put  one  pint  of  canned  or  fresh  tomatoes,  and 


242 


DIETETICS. 


one  quart  of  water,  in  a granite  stew-pan.  When 
boiling,  thicken  with  three  table-spoons  of  graham 
flour  mixed  with  cold  water.  Add  one  quart  milk 
and  stir  until  it  boils;  this  prevents  curdling.  Sea- 
son to  taste. 

LEMON  JELLY. 

Moisten  two  table-spoons  corn  starch,  stir  into 
one  pint  boiling  water;  add  the  juice  of  two 
lemons  and  one  third  cup  of  sugar.  Grate  in  a 
little  of  the  rind.  Put  in  molds  to  cook 

LEMON  GELATINE. 

Soak  one  ounce  of  gelatine  in  a quart  of  water. 
When  dissolved,  pour  it  in  a saucepan  and  let  it 
come  to  a boil.  Add  the  juice  of  three  lemons, 
a little  grated  rind  and  one  cup  of  sugar.  Strain 
through  a thin  cloth,  put  into  molds  and  set  on  ice 
to  cool. 

SAGO  JELLY. 

Soak  five  table-spoons  sago  in  half  a pint  cold 
water  thirty  minutes,  then  add  one  cup  sugar  and 
two  table-spoons  lemon  juice.  Pour  over  three 
cups  boiling  water;  boil  the  whole  in  a farina 
boiler  one  hour;  pour  into  molds,  when  cold  turn 
out  and  serve  with  fruit  juice. 

SAGO  OUERANT  JELLY. 

Soak  five  table-spoons  sago  one  hour,  in  cold 
water;  strain  off  the  water,  add  half  pint  currant 
juice  (strained);  boil  slowly  fifteen  minutes,  stir- 
ring occasionally,  then  add  half  a cup  sugar.  Pour 
into  molds,  serve  the  following  day  without  sauce- 


DIETETICS. 


243 


Cranberries  or  other  acid  fruits  can  be  used. 
Makes  a very  tempting  dish  for  invalids. 

NTJTBIKA  OB  BEAN  JELLY. 

1st.  Go  to  the  mill  yourself \ and  watch  the 
miller  while  he  gives  you  clean  wheat  bran. 

2d.  Have  a kettle  of  boiling  soft  water  on  the 
stove.  Sift  in  with  one  hand,  stirring  briskly  all 
the  while,  with  a paddle  or  wooden  spoon,  held  in 
the  other,  until  the  mass  is  about  the  consistency 
of  a thick  gruel.  Let  this  boil  slowly  two  hours. 
Place  a sieve  over  the  top  of  a pan  and  pour  this 
gruel  in  it  to  drain.  When  well  drained,  place  the 
pan  on  the  stove,  and  allow  it  to  come  to  a boil. 
Mix  with  cold  water,  a spoonful  or  so  of  sifted 
graham  flour,  enough  to  bring  the  boiling  gruel  to 
about  the  consistence  of  a smooth  gravy,  or  thick 
gruel.  Dip  into  molds — coffee  cups  are  nice  for 
this;  and  allow  to  become  cold,  when,  if  right,  it 
will  be  a trembling,  delicate  jelly.  Perhaps  it  will 
be  necessary  to  experiment  a little,  as  the  first 
trial  may  not  be  entirely  successful,  but  depend 
upon  it,  the  outcome  is  well  worth  painstaking. 

Nutrina  is  accompanied  with  various  sauces,  and 
makes  a welcome  dessert.  People  who  use  milk  or 
cream,  would  like  nutrina  with  a cream  sauce. 
Nutrina  can  not  be  too  highly  recommended,  for  it 
suits  so  wide  a range  of  conditions. — Dr.  Fairchild. 

Nutrina  contains  the  phosphates  of  the  grain, 
hence  is  valuable  nerve  nutritive.  Is  especially 
excellent  for  nursing  mothers  and  children  when 
first  weaned. 

16 


244 


DIETETIC*. 


CEREALS. 

All  the  cereals,  even  rice,  are  better  to  be  put  to 
cook  in  boiling  water.  This  bursts  the  starch  cells 
at  once,  and  prevents  the  raw  taste  and  stringy  dark 
look  these  preparations  frequently  have.  Should 
not  be  stirred  while  cooking,  as  it  breaks  the  grains 
and  makes  them  pasty.  Do  not  soak  in  cold  water 
over  night.  In  cold  weather,  enough  can  be 
cooked  to  last  a family  two  or  three  days.  They 
are  always  better  for  heating  over  in  a farina  or 
milk  boiler.  No  housekeeper  should  be  without 
this  important  cooking  utensil.  Every  table  should 
be  abundantly  supplied  with  well  cooked  cereals. 

CRACKED  OK  ROLLED  WHEAT. 

In  two  quarts  boiling  water,  stir  one  pint  cracked 
wheat.  Half  tea-spoon  salt.  Use  a farina  boiler 
or  double  kettle,  and  cook  three  hours  without  stir- 
ring. When  done  mold  in  dishes.  Eat  cold  with 
fruit  sauce  or  cream  and  sugar.  Excellent  in  con- 
stipation or  biliousness.  The  rolled  wheat  is  pref- 
erable. Not  being  able  to  procure  it  ready  pre- 
pared, one  can  crack  wheat  in  -an  ordinary  coffee 
milL 

OATMEAL  MUSH. 

Coarse  oatmeal  should  be  cooked  like  rolled 
wheat  If  desired  warm  for  breakfast,  can  be  left 
in  a granite  farina  boiler  over  night  and  heated  in 
a few  minutes.  Do  not  6oak  oatmeal  over  night, 
or  try  to  cook  it  sufficiently  in  the  morning.  Fine 
oatmeal  can  be  made  in  a mush  like  Indian  meal, 
and  be  ready  for  the  table  in  forty  minutes. 


DIETETICS. 


245 


INDIAN  MEAL  MUSH. 

Take  fine  meal  of  northern  corn,  a little  sail,  stii 
6lowly  in  boiling  water,  until  it  is  as  thick  as  can 
be  stirred  easily.  Stand  it  on  back  of  the  stove  and 
cook  slowly  one  hour.  Is  better  cooked  in  a milk 
boiler. 

GBAHAU  MUSH. 

Stir  graham  flour  in  boiling  water  slowly,  until 
it  makes  a thick  batter.  Set  on  the  back  part  of 
the  stove  ten  minutes,  then  beat  two  minutes  and 
turn  into  the  dish.  To  be  eaten  with  fruit  juice  or 
cream  and  sugar. 

BOILED  BICE. 

Put  two  cups  of  rice  to  three  pints  boiling  water, 
half  tea-spoon  salt  Cook  in  a farina  boiler  four 
hours.  It  is  said  the  Japanese  do  not  put  rice  in 
water  to  cook  it.  Simply  expose  it  to  steam  in  a 
steamer  several  hours. 

BKEAD. 

“ Bread  is  the  representative  of  human  food,  be- 
cause wheat,  of  which  it  is  made,  embraces  all  the 
elements  of  nutrition  necessary  to  build  up  and 
sustain  every  part  of  the  system,  keeping  it  in  good 
working  condition  and  preserving  it  unimpaired  to 
ripe  old  age.” 

Bread  to  serve  the  best  purposes  of  nutrition 
should  contain  all  the  elements  of  the  grain.  White 
bread  that  holds  a popular  place  as  an  article  of 
diet,  is  greatly  deficient  in  the  nitrates  or  muscle 
feeding  elements.  The  gluten  of  the  grain,  in 
which  these  are  found,  is  removed  in  the  bran. 


5s»6 


BIETETIOa. 


Besides,  fermentation  of  flour  is  at  the  expense  of 
the  gluten.  Consequently  to  obtain  bread  that  con- 
tains all  the  elements  of  nutrition  in  the  right  pro- 
portion, it  must  be  made  from  flour  of  the  entire 
wheat,  and  not  raised  with  yeast  or  chemicals.  If 
raised  with  yeast,  the  less  nnmber  of  times  it  is 
mixed  the  better.  The  most  popular  unleavened 
breads  are  gems,  muffins  and  rolls. 

GEAHAK  GEMS. 

Take  three  cups  of  entire  wheat  flour  or  graham 
made  from  white  wheat,  two  cups  of  cold  water, 
half  cup  of  milk.  Omit  salt.  Heat  gem  pans 
very  hot  on  the  top  of  the  stove,  fill  them  even  full 
with  the  batter,  place  on  the  grate  of  a very  hot 
oven.  Let  them  remain  ten  minutes,  then  bake 
thirty  minutes  on  the  bottom  of  the  oven.  The 
“ acorn  ” gem  pans  are  essential.  These  are  small, 
round,  deep  iron  pans.  Notice,  three  things  are 
necessary  for  good  gems:  The  beat  white  wheat 

flour,  very  hot  pans  and  oven,  and  the  “acorn”  gem 
pans.  No  beating  is  required.  These  conditions 
observed,  the  gems  will  be  as  light  as  sponge-cake. 
They  can  be  eaten  warm  or  cold,  but  are  best  heated 
over  in  a quick  oven.  They  make  excellent  toast 
and  puddings. 

GRAHAM  MUFFINS. 

Take  one  pint  of  new  milk,  one  pint  graham 
flour  or  entire  wheat  flour.  Stir  together  and  add 
one  beaten  egg.  Can  be  baked  in  any  kind  of  gem 
pans  or  muffin  rings.  Salt  must  not  be  used  with 
any  bread  that  is  made  light  with  egg. 


DIETETICS. 


2*7 


HOT  WATER  ROLLS. 

Pour  boiling  water  over  wheat  meal,  just  enough 
to  make  a stiff  dough.  Stir  with  a spoon,  and  as 
soon  as  possible  mold  out,  adding  as  little  flour  as 
the  dough  will  permit.  Cut  these  in  small  cakes, 
roll  them  in  flour,  prick  them,  and  after  baking  in 
a very  hot  oven,  brush  off  this  flour,  as  they  are 
sent  light  and  brown  to  the  table. 

All  unleavened  bread  can  be  made  equally  as 
good  without  milk,  requiring  rather  more  heat  to 
brown  it. — Dr.  M.  A.  Fai/rchild. 

OATMEAL  AND  GRAHAM  GEMS. 

Mix  equal  parts  of  fine  Irish  oatmeal  into  a thick 
batter,  with  equal  parts  of  milk  and  water,  fill  hot 
gem  pans  and  bake  with  a brisk  heat.  Yery  sweet 
and  tender. — Dr.  Holbrook. 

WHITE  FLOUR  GEMS. 

Stir  briskly  into  new  milk,  or  milk  and  water, 
sufficient  flour  to  make  a batter  not  too  stiff  to  drop 
from  a spoon — much  depends  on  the  consistency; 
experiment  only  will  decide — add  the  whites  of  two 
eggs  whipped  to  a stiff  froth  and  beat  all  together 
thoroughly.  A little  cream  put  in  at  the  last 
makes  the  gems  more  tender.  Bake  in  hot  gem 
pans  in  a quick  oven. 

BROWN  GEMS. 

Mix  with  water  equal  quantities  of  rye  and  Indian 
meal,  beat  it  to  a cream,  perhaps  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes,  bake  in  thin  cakes  in  hot  gem  pans. 

BEST  GRAHAM  BISCUIT. 

Make  as  thick  a graham  mush  by  stirring  the 


248 


DIETETI03. 


flour  into  boiling  water,  as  is  possible,  then  take  it 
from  the  store  to  the  molding  board,  knead  into  it 
more  graham  flour,  roll  about  an  inch  thick,  cut 
into  biscuits  and  bake  in  a hot  oven. 

LIOHT  GRAHAM  BISCUIT. 

Make  the  dough  of  graham  yeast  bread  a trifle 
stiffer,  roll  and  cut  into  biscuits.  When  light,  bake 
thirty  minutes. 

VERY  BEST  OORH  BREAD. 

Wet  with  cold  water,  enough  corn  meal  to  make 
a good  thick  cake  on  your  griddle.  It  should  be 
nearly  half  an  inch  in  thickness.  Have  the  griddle 
very  hot,  grease  it  well,  or  sprinkle  with  corn  meal, 
and  put  on  your  mixture.  Allow  a good  crust  to 
form  quickly,  but  not  to  burn,  then  loosen  the  cake 
with  a large  knife,  and  place  over  the  griddle  a large 
plate,  covering  the  cake.  Turn  the  griddle  bottom 
up,  holding  the  plate  in  your  left  hand,  and  this 
maneuver  will  leave  the  cake,  crust  side  up,  on  the 
plate.  How  return  the  griddle  to  the  stove,  and 
slide  the  cake  off  the  plate,  on  the  hot  griddle. 
This  enables  you  to  have  a crust  on  both  sides  of 
your  cake  alike.  Bake  slowly  and  thoroughly,  for 
thirty  minutes  to  one  hour,  turning  the  cake  occa- 
sionally.— Dr.  Fairchild. 

DELICIOUS  CORN  BREAD. 

One  quart  com  meal,  partly  scalded  with  one 
pint,  boiling  water.  Add  to  this,  one  pint  sweet 
milk,  stir  to  a smooth  batter,  dip  a large  cooking 
spoonful  at  a time  on  your  hot  griddle  in  separate 
cakes,  let  it  stand  to  get  the  lower  crust  well  started, 


DIETETICS. 


249 


then  place  the  griddle  in  the  hot  oven,  on  the  top 
grate,  and  allow  the  baking  to  be  finished  there. 
The  cake  should  be  a nice  brown.  About  half  an 
hour’s  time  will  be  required  for  baking. — Dr.  Fair- 
child. 

OATMEAL  CAXB. 

Take  one  pint  of  the  medium  oatmeal,  and  warm 
water  enough  to  stir  up  a batter,  like  griddle  cakes. 
Pour  it  into  a shallow  baking  pan  or  griddle,  and 
bake  twenty  minutes  in  a hot  oven.  Or  bake  in 
small  cakes  on  the  griddle,  first  putting  in  a hand- 
tul  of  wheat  flour  and  a little  more  water. 

GRAHAM  WAFERS. 

Use  Akron  flour.  Mix  with  pure  cold  water.  No 
salt.  Knead  thoroughly  fifteen  minutes,  roll  very 
thin,  about  half  as  thick  as  soda  crackers;  cut  in 
two  inch  squares,  and  bake  quickly.  These  will 
keep  for  months  in  a dry  place. 

It  makes  them  crisp  to  place  them  in  the  oven  a 
few  minutes  before  bringing  them  to  the  table. 

Better  if  made  by  a baker,  using  the  cracker 
machine. 

GRAHAM  CRACKERS. 

Take  one  part  cream  to  four  parts  milk,  mix  with 
flour,  as  soft  as  can  be  handled;  knead  twenty  min- 
utes; roll  very  thin;  cut  square  or  round,  and  bake 
quickly  twenty  minutes.  Handle  carefully  while 
hot;  pack  away  when  cool  in  a stone  jar. 

BOSTOH  BROWN  BREAD. 

Three  cups  graham  flour,  one  cup  Indian  meal, 
one  cup  molasses,  two  cups  sweet  milk,  one  cup  sour 


250 


DIETETICS. 


milk,  one  tea-spoon  soda.  Steam  three  hours  and 
bake  two  hours. 

GRAHAM  BREAD. 

Soak  half  a cake  of  compressed  yeast,  stir  it  into 
one  quart  warm  water  and  two  quarts  graham 
flour.  Put  into  a deep  sheet  iron  bread  pan. 
When  light,  bake  one  hour  or  more.  If  compressed 
yeast  can  not  be  obtained  use  homemade  or  baker’s 
yeast.  The  dough  should  be  as  stiff  as  can  be 
stirred  with  a spoon.  Flour  from  white  wheat 
contains  the  most  gluten  and  makes  the  best  bread. 
Make  bread  from  fine  flour  of  the  entire  wheat  the 
same  way  only  a trifle  stiffer. 

YEAST  BREAD  FROM  WHITE  FLOTJR. 

Make  a sponge  by  boiling  one  pound  of  potatoes 
in  two  quarts  of  water;  stir  up  a pint  of  sifted 
flour  as  for  starch,  and  pour  the  boiling  water  over 
it,  adding  the  potatoes  when  well  mashed;  when 
cool,  add  a cup  of  yeast,  or  two  ounces  dried  yeast, 
soaked,  and  a table-spoon  of  salt.  Make  this  the 
day  previous  to  baking;  it  will  save  labor  to  do  it 
at  the  same  time  you  boil  potatoes  for  dinner. 

To  make  the  bread,  take  three  quarts  sifted  flour, 
and  wet  with  the  sponge,  adding  no  more  liquid  or 
salt;  knead  at  least  half  an  hour,  keeping  the 
dough  soft  and  warm;  put  it  in  the  baking  pans, 
which  are  well  greased,  and  when  it  is  light  it  ia 
ready  for  the  oven.  Bake  forty  minutes.  The 
dough  must  be  soft  and  thoroughly  kneaded. 

Graham  bread  is  made  in  the  same  manner,  only 
moist  enough  to  stir  with  a stiff  spoon,  and  does 
not  require  the  kneading. 


DIETETICS. 


251 


The  white  sponge  is  used  for  it  Bake  an  hour. 

RICE  MUFFINS. 

One  cup  of  boiled  rice,  two  eggs,  two  cups  of 
milk,  two  cups  of  flour.  Bake  in  gem  pans  or 
muffin  rings. 

BUCKWHEAT  OAKES. 

One  quart  of  warm  water,  one  quart  of  buck- 
wheat flour,  a cup  of  bread  sponge,  one  tea-spoon 
6alt.  Make  over  night,  or  will  rise  in  three  or  four 
hours  in  the  daytime.  Some  batter  being  left  will 
raise  cakes  the  following  day. 

Buckwheat  contains  a large  proportion  of  gluten 
and  is  very  desirable  for  batter  cakes.  It  has  been 
brought  into  disrepute  for  two  reasons;  first,  mill- 
ers do  not  take  sufficient  pains  in  cleaning  it,  and 
leave  the  smut  of  the  grain  in.  This  is  a poison; 
producing  eruptions,  etc. ; second,  too  much  butter 
and  sirup  are  consumed  with  the  cakes,  supplying 
to  the  system  a superabundance  of  carbon.  Sub- 
stitute honey  or  fruit  sauce  to  make  the  cakes  relish. 

GRIDDLE  OAKES  FROM  “ SHORTS.” 

Shorts,  or  middlings,  are  obtained  in  grinding 
wheat,  between  the  fine  flour  and  bran.  These  are 
rich  in  gluten  and,  prepared  in  the  same  way,  make 
cakes  equal  to  buckwheat. 

RIOE  GRIDDLE  OAKES. 

One  cup  boiled  rice,  one  egg,  one  cup  sweet  milk, 
one  cup  water,  two  cups  of  fine  flour  of  entire 
wheat  or  “shorts.” 

CORN  GRIDDLE  CAKES. 

Pour  boiling  water  on  a pint  of  corn  meal  to 


252 


DIETETICS. 


make  a stiff  batter;  let  it  stand  over  nigbt.  In  the 
morning  add  one  cup  of  graham  flour  and  one  cup 
of  sweet  milk.  If  not  lierht  add  a tea-spoon  of 
yeast  powder;  but  except  in  cold  weather  the  corn 
will  ferment  sufficiently  to  make  it  light.  Can  be 
baked  in  gem  pans  if  preferred. 

BREAKFAST  PATTIES. 

Make  a thick  gruel  of  equal  parts  of  wheat  and 
corn  meal.  Let  it  stand  over  night.  Add  sifted 
graham  flour,  or  flour  of  the  entire  wheat,  until  the 
batter  is  thicker  than  for  batter  cakes.  Bake  as 
griddle  cakes;  giving  them  plenty  of  time.  If 
just  right,  most  delicious  breakfast  cakes. 

MILK  TOAST. 

Heat  six  slices  of  graham  bread  in  the  oven; 
toast  an  even  brown  over  coals.  Boil  one  pint  of 
milk  and  half  a cup  of  cream.  Thicken  with  one 
tea-spoon  corn  starch;  half  a tea-spoon  salt  Pour 
over  the  toast  and  serve  hot. 

GEM  TOAST. 

Split  graham  gems,  toast  the  same  as  the 
bread  above,  and  cover  with  the  same  dressing. 
This  is  the  best  toast  made.  Is  not  harmed  by 
standing. 

OTSTEB  TOAST. 

Pour  stewed  oysters  over  graham  gems  or  bread 
toasted.  An  excellent  breakfast  dish. 

OOD-TISH  TOAST. 

Toast  graham  bread  or  gems;  lay  upon  a platter 
and  cover  with  cod-fish  prepared  in  milk. 


DIETETIC®. 


253 


TOMATO  TOAST. 

Stew  one  quart  tomatoes;  season  with  one  table- 
spoon sugar  and  half  a tea-spoon  salt;  pour  over 
graham  bread  or  gems  toasted. 

EGGS  ON  TOAST. 

Soften  brown  bread  toast  with  hot  water,  put 
on  a platter  and  cover  with  poached  or  scrambled 
egga. 

ASPARAGUS  ON  TOAST. 

Cut  the  green  of  one  pound  of  asparagus  in  one 
pint  hot  water.  Stew  thirty  minutes,  add  half  a 
cup  of  cream,  a little  salt,  turn  over  a platter  of 
graham  toast. 

RHUBARB  TOAST. 

Take  one  pint  water,  half  a cup  of  sugar,  when 
boiling  put  in  two  pounds  rhubarb  cut  in  small 
pieces.  Stew  until  done,  when  cold  pour  over  a 
platter  of  hot  toasted  brown  bread,  having  a little 
butter  upon  it.  This  is  an  excellent  breakfast  dish, 
and  as  the  toast  absorbs  the  peculiar  rhubarb  flavor, 
can  be  eaten  by  those  who  usually  dislike  it. 

Gooseberries  and  tart  apples  can  be  prepared  in 
the  same  way. 

Note. — Never  use  white  bread  for  toast  when 
bread  of  the  unbolted  or  entire  wheat  flour  can  be 
had.  The  latter  never  becomes  doughy,  and  is 
much  better  flavored,  besides  being  more  nutri- 
tious. 

EGGS  AS  FOOD. 

Eggs,  at  average  prices,  are  among  the  cheapest 


254 


DIETETICS. 


and  most  nutritions  articles  of  diet.  Like  milk, 
an  egg  is  a complete  food  in  itself,  containing 
everything  necessary  for  the  development  of  a per- 
fect animal,  as  is  manifest  from  the  fact  that  a 
chick  is  formed  from  it.  It  seems  a mystery  how 
muscles,  bones,  feathers,  and  everything  that  a 
chicken  requires  for  its  perfect  development  are 
made  from  the  yolk  and  white  of  an  egg;  but  such 
is  the  fact,  and  it  shows  how  complete  a food  an 
egg  is.  It  is  also  easily  digested,  if  not  damaged 
in  cooking.  Indeed,  there  is  no  more  concentrated 
and  nourishing  food  than  eggs.  The  albumen,  oil, 
and  saline  matter  are,  as  in  milk,  in  the  right  pro- 
portion for  sustaining  animal  life.  Two  or  three 
boiled  eggs,  with  the  addition  of  a slice  or  two  of 
toast,  will  make  a breakfast  sufficient  for  a man, 
and  good  enough  for  a king. 

According  to  Dr.  Edward  Smith,  in  his  treatise 
on  “ Food,”  an  egg  weighing  an  ounce  and  three 
quarters  contains  120  grains  of  carbon  and  seven- 
teen and  three  quarter  grains  of  nitrogen,  or  15.25 
per  cent,  of  carbon  and  two  per  cent,  of  nitrogen. 
The  value  of  one  pound  of  egg,  as  food  for  sustain- 
ing the  active  forces  of  the  body,  is  to  the  value  of 
one  pound  of  lean  beef  as  1584  to  900.  As  a flesh 
producer,  one  pound  of  eggs  is  about  equal  to  one 
pound  of  beef. 

A hen  may  be  calculated  to  consume  one  bushel 
of  corn  yearly,  and  to  lay  ten  dozen  or  fifteen 
pounds  of  eggs.  This  is  equivalent  to  saying  that 
three  and  one  tenth  pounds  of  corn  will  produce, 
when  fed  to  a hen,  five  sixths  of  a pound  of  eggs ; 


DIETETICS. 


255 


but  five  sixths  of  a pound  of  pork  requires  about 
five  pounds  of  corn  for  its  production.  Taking  into 
account  the  nutriment  in  each,  and  the  compara- 
tive prices  of  the  two  on  an  average,  the  pork  is 
about  three  times  as  costly  a food  as  the  eggs,  while 
it  is  certainly  less  healthful. — Boston  Jowrnal  of 
Chemistry. 

BOILED  EGGS. 

Eggs  should  never  be  boiled.  Immersed  in 
boiling  water  for  a few  moments  the  white  part  co- 
agulates and  becomes  hard,  and  more  or  less  indi- 
gestible. If  cooked  at  a temperature  of  165°  for 
fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  the  white  part  coagulates 
into  a tender,  delicate,  jelly-like  substance,  which 
is  not  only  very  digestible,  but  delicious,  while  at 
the  same  time  the  yolk  becomes  hard.  A little 
experience  will  enable  any  one  to  do  it  perfectly. 

POACHED  EGGS. 

In  a skillet  of  salted  boiling  water,  place  muffin 
rings.  Drop  the  eggs  in  them  and  let  them  stand 
ten  minutes  without  boiling.  Remove  the  rings 
and  the  eggs  will  be  nicely  molded  and  evenly 
cooked. 

EGGS  POACHED  IN  MILK. 

Take  one  cup  of  milk,  half  a cup  of  water,  when 
boiling  break  in  six  eggs.  Cook  slowly  and  serve 
on  toast  A lady  told  me  she  cured  herself  of  nerv- 
ous headaches  by  eating  an  egg  every  morning 
cooked  in  this  way.  The  milk  prevents  the  poison- 
ous effaot  of  the  sulphur  in  the  egg  and  the  nerves 
get  decided  nutriment 


256 


DIETETICS. 


SCRAMBLED  EGOS. 

Beat  six  eggs  and  one  cap  of  milk  together. 
Qook  in  a buttered  skillet,  stirring  occasionally. 
Take  up  before  it  is  quite  thickened. 

STEAMED  EGGS. 

Break  into  egg  cups  and  steam  ten  minutes. 

EGG  OMELET. 

Beat  the  whites  of  six  eggs  separately.  Beat  the 
yolks  with  three  table-spoons  of  milk  and  one 
table-spoon  of  flour,  stir  the  whites  in  lightly. 
Cook  in  a hot  buttered  skillet.  When  the  edge  is 
cooked  turn  over  carefully.  In  two  minutes  more, 
double  together  on  a hot  platter. 

RAW  OYSTERS. 

It  is  an  old  theory  that  a raw  oyster  digests  it- 
self. This  is  owing  to  the  diastase  or  glycogen  in 
the  liver.  A fat  oyster  is  half  liver.  Cooki^o-  de- 
stroys this  diastase.  So  also  much  vinegar  and 
condiments  make  it  slow  to  assimilate.  Alcohol 
also  destroys  the  diastase. 

8TBWHD  OYSTERS. 

Take  one  pint  of  milk,  one  cup  of  water,  a tea- 
spoon of  salt,  when  boiling  put  in  one  pint  of  bulk 
oysters.  Stir  occasionally  and  remove  from  the 
stove  before  it  boils.  An  oyster  should  not  be 
shriveled  in  cooking. 

BROILED  OYSTERS. 

Put  large  oysters  on  a wire  toaster.  Hold  over 
coal  until  heated  through.  Serve  on  toast  moist- 
ened with  cream.  Very  grateful  in  convalescence 


DIETETICS. 


257 


GRAHAM  GEM  PUDDING. 

Take  six  cold  gems,  baked  the  day  before,  break 
into  small  pieces  and  pour  over  them  a pint  of  hot 
water  and  half  cup  of  sugar;  stir  in  six  large  tart 
apples,  cut  in  thiu  slices.  Bake  two  hours.  Other 
fruits  are  sometimes  used. 

CRACKED  WHEAT  PUDDING. 

In  a deep  pudding  dish  put  layers  of  cold  cooked 
cracked  wheat,  and  tart  apples  sliced  thin  with  two 
table-spoons  sugar,  one  table-spoon  raisins.  Fill 
the  dish,  have  the  wheat  last,  add  cup  of  cold  water, 
Bake  two  hours. 

FARINA  BLANC  MANGE. 

Stir  into  a quart  of  boiling  milk,  farina  enough 
to  make  a thin  pudding,  then  set  away  to  cool. 
Meanwhile  whip  the  whites  of  two  eggs  to  a stiff 
froth  and  beat  into  the  farina  before  it  is  quite  cold, 
with  half  the  yolk  of  one  egg  and  a little  sugar. 
It  is  more  creamy  if  not  made  too  thick  with 
farina. 

RICE  PUDDING. 

One  quart  new  milk,  two  table-spoons  rice,  two 
table-spoons  sugar,  pinch  of  salt,  one  tea-spoon 
lemon  extract,  or  if  preferable,  half  cup  of  raisins. 
Bake  three  hours  in  a moderate  oven. 

For  summer  it  is  delicious  cold.  Better  made 
in  large  quantity. 

APPLE  TAPIOCA  PUDDING. 

Soak  a tea-cup  of  tapioca  in  a quart  of  warm 
water  three  hours.  Cut  in  thin  slices  six  tart  ap- 


BUBTETIOS. 


26» 

pies,  stir  them  lightly  with  the  tapioca,  add  half 
cup  sugar.  Bake  three  hours.  To  be  eaten  with 
whipped  cream.  Good  either  warm  or  cold. 

INDIAN  FRUIT  PUDDING. 

One  pint  corn  mush,  made  with  water,  one  pint 
stewed  dried  apples,  peaches,  or  prunes,  one  half 
pint  water,  one  cup  sugar.  Stir  ingredients  well 
together.  Bake  five  hours. 

ORANGE  PUDDING. 

Pear  and  slice  five  large  oranges,  removing  seeds. 
Lay  in  a deep  dish  and  sprinkle  with  half  cup  sugar, 
let  them  stand  two  hours.  Make  a custard  of  one 
pint  milk,  yolks  of  three  egss,  two  table-spoons  corn- 
starch; when  cool  pour  over  oranges.  Beat  the 
whites  with  two  table-spoons  of  powdered  sugar 
and  place  on  the  top,  brown  in  oven  a few  min- 
utes. 

CORN  MUSH  PUDDING. 

One  quart  milk,  one  pint  corn  mush,  (Page  245), 
two  thirds  cup  molasses,  one  tea-spoon  cinnamon. 
Bake  four  hours. 

INDIAN  MEAL  PUDDING. 

Boil  one  quart  of  milk,  stir  in  seven  table-spoons 
meaL  Take  from  the  stove,  add  one  quart  cold 
milk,  one  cup  molasses,  one  tea-spoon  ground 
mace.  Bake  in  an  earthen  pudding  dish  five  hours. 
Double  the  recipe  makes  a better  pudding  and  it  is 
good  cold. 

FRUIT  BLANO  MANGE. 

Take  one  quart  of  any  of  the  rich  dark  colored 


DIETETICS. 


259 


fruits,  such  as  cherries,  currants,  or  berries;  after 
they  are  prepared  for  the  table  as  sauce,  add  four 
table-spoonfuls  of  corn  starch,  and  let  it  cook  two 
or  three  minutes ; then  mold  as  blancmange.  It 
is  nice  to  put  this  into  a mold  in  alternate  layers 
with  the  white  blanc  mange,  or  with  graham  or 
rye  mush.  Eat  cold  with  fruit  sauce. 

PLUM  PUDDING. 

One  cup  seedless  raisins,  one  cup  currants,  one 
quart  chopped  apples,  one  cup  sugar,  one  cup  gra- 
ham flour  mixed  in  a pint  of  water.  Mix  all  to- 
gether and  bake  five  or  six  hours. 

STRAWBERRY  DESSERT. 

Place  alternate  layers  of  hot  cooked  cracked  wheat 
and  strawberries  in  a deep  dish;  when  cold  turn 
out  on  a platter,  cut  in  slices  and  serve  with  cream 
and  sugar,  or  strawberry  juice.  Wet  the  molds 
with  cold  water  before  using. 

This  makes  a dainty  dish  for  the  sick  molded  in 
small  cups. 

PIES. 

A very  palatable  pie  crust  can  be  made  of  sweet 
cream  and  flour  of  the  entire  wheat  or  sifted  gra- 
ham flour.  Should  be  worked  soft,  made  thin  and 
baked  in  a hot  oven.  Eaten  the  day  it  is  baked. 
In  a dietetic  point  of  view  there  is  little  objection 
to  this  crust.  Any  acid  fruit  can  be  used  for  the 
filling.  A crust  of  fine  flour  and  lard  does  not 
make  suitable  nutriment  for  sick  or  welL 

PTE  POR  DYSPEPTICS. 

Four^  table-spoons  of  oatmeal,  one  pint  of  water; 


260 


DIETETICS. 


let  stand  fora  few  hours  or  till  the  meal  is  swelled. 
Then  add  two  large  apples,  pared  and  sliced,  a little 
salt,  one  cup  of  sugar,  one  table-spoon  flour.  Mix 
all  well  together  and  bake  in  a buttered  dish ; makes 
a most  delicious  pie,  which  can  be  eaten  with  safety 
by  the  sick  or  well. — Dr.  Holbrook. 

STRAWBERRY  FIE. 

Place  the  under  crust-  upon  a deep  plate,  and  the 
upper  one — cut  just  the  right  size — on  a flat  tin  or 
sheet  iron;  prick  to  prevent  blistering  and  bake. 
Fill  the  deep  dish  while  hot  with  strawberries,  and 
cover  with  the  flat  crust.  If  the  fruit  is  rather  hard, 
replace  in  the  oven  till  heated;  if  quite  ripe,  the 
crust  will  steam  them  sufliciently. 

Raspberry  and  blackberry  pie  can  be  made  in  the 
same  way.  The  flavor  of  these  delicious  berries 
when  quite  ripe,  is  greatly  impaired  by  cooking; 
they  are  also  changed  to  a mass  of  little  else  than 
seeds  and  juice. — Mrs.  Cox’s  Hygiene  Cook  Book. 

APPLE  PIE  CAKE. 

Mix  unbolted  wheat  flour  with  cold  water,  mak- 
ing a batter  soft  enough  to  level  itself.  If  short- 
ening is  desired  use  6weet  cream.  Fill  a deep  pie- 
plate  a third  full  of  the  batter  and  sprinkle  over  a 
little  sugar.  "Wash,  quarter,  and  core  tart  apples 
and  place  as  many  in  the  batter  (skin  side  up)  as  it 
will  hold.  Press  down  and  level  with  a spoon. 
Over  the  top  sprinkle  sugar  and  bake  till  brown. — 
Dr.  Holbrook. 

CASE. 

Cake  is  hardly  considered  a dietetic  food.  A.  few 


DIETETICS. 


261 


recipes,  however,  are  given  that  experience  has 
proved  good,  and  may  be  eaten  by  convalescents  or 
invalids  at  the  sea-side  or  in  the  mountains. 

STRAWBERRY  SHORT-CAKE. 

Bate  a short-cake  the  size  yon  want,  bake  rather 
thin,  about  three  layers,  and  put  strawberries  be- 
tween, having  them  mashed  and  sweetened,  then 
on  the  top  layer,  and  all  about  the  side  of  a dish, 
put  your  finest  large  berries.  This  needs  no  sauce. 

We  also  make  a simple  pudding  which  is  well 
cooked  cracked  wheat,  with  the  whole  berries 
stirred  in  when  done,  and  put  in  moulds.  To  be 
eaten  cold.  Rice,  and  corn  mushes  may  be  treated 
in  the  same  way. 

But  best  of  all,  is  strawberries  and  plain  unleav- 
ened bread.  This  exceeds  in  wholesomeness,  and 
really  in  gustatory  delight,  all  the  ways  that  man 
has  invented  to  punish  strawberries. — Dr . Fair- 
child. 

The  short-cake  should  be  made  of  cream  and 
flour  of  the  entire  wheat. 

GRAHAM  CAKE. 

One  cup  sugar,  two  eggs,  half  a cup  sweet  cream, 
one  cup  of  flour,  one  tea-spoon  baking  powder. 
Bake  in  a deep  tin.  Adding  currants  and  chopped 
raisins  and  baking  in  small  cake  tins,  makes  a nice 
children’s  cake. 

EUREKA  SPONGE  CAKE. 

Four  eggs  beaten  with  one  and  a half  cups  of 
sugar,  two  cups  of  sifted  flour,  baking  powder  and 
lemon  extract,  each  one  teaspoon.  Beat  thorough- 


262 


DIETETICS. 


ly  together,  and  add  three  fourths  cup  of  boiling 
water.  Ia  very  thin,  but  makes  a delicious  and 
wholesome  cake.  Ib  good  made  from  white  or 
graham  flour.  Makes  a nice  layer  cake  by  baking 
it  in  jelly  tins. 

oobalutb  CASE. 

Half  a cup  of  sweet  milk,  half  a cup  rich  cream, 
one  cup  of  sugar,  one  egg,  two  cups  graham  flour, 
one  tea  spoon  baking  powder.  Bake  in  two  pie 
tins.  When  done  split  open  with  a sharp  knife 
and  fill  in  with  raspberry  or  strawberry  juice  that 
has  been  thickened  with  corn  starch  or  gelatine. 
By  using  boiled  custard  for  filling  it  will  make 
what  cooks  call  a French  pie. 

FRUIT  8AUCB. 

Boil  the  juice  of  any  acid  fruit,  adding  an  equal 
part  of  water.  To  one  pint  put  one  table-spoon  of 
sugar  and  one  tea-spoon  corn  starch.  This  makes 
a clear  juice  bout  the  consistence  of  sirup,  and  is 
very  desirable  to  eat  with  wheat,  mush,  gems,  grid- 
dle cakes  and  plain  puddings.  Jellies  and  jams 
can  be  made  into  fruit  sauce  by  adding  four  parts 
of  water  and  thickening.  Will  not  require  sugar. 
These  are  valuable  sauces  for  invalids  and  children. 
Once  learning  how  delicious  they  are,  persons  in 
health  will  demand  them.  In  many  of  the  small 
fruits  the  seeds  are  very  objectionable.  This  meth- 
od of  using  the  fruit  obviates  that. 

PEACHES  A LA  STRAWBERRY. 

Ripe  peaches  cut  in  small  pieces,  with  soft,  mild 
eating  apples,  in  the  proportion  of  three  peaches  to 


DIETETICS. 


263 


one  apple,  mixed  with  sugar,  and  left  to  stand  two 
or  three  hours,  makes  excellent  mock  strawberries. 
— Kansas  Homs  Cook  Book. 

BAX  ED  APPLES. 

Pare  tart  apples;  core  with  a corer  or  small 
knife.  Place  them  in  pans,  and  fill  cavities 
with  sugar.  Bake  in  a slow  oven  until  tender.  If 
sweet  apples  are  used  it  is  better  not  to  pare;  sugar 
not  needed. 

APPLE  SNOW. 

Take  apples,  not  very  sweet  ones,  and  bake  till 
soft  and  brown.  Then  remove  the  skins  and  cores; 
when  cool,  beat  them  smooth  and  fine;  add  half 
cup  of  granulated  sugar  and  the  white  of  one  egg. 
Beat  till  the  mixture  will  hold  on  your  spoon. 
Serve  with  soft  custard. — V.  Mills. 

BAKED  PEAKS. 

Take  a stone  jar,  and  fill  it  -with  alternate  layers 
of  pears  (without  paring)  and  a little  sugar  until 
the  jar  is  full,  then  pour  in  as  much  water  as  the 
jar  will  hold.  Bake  in  a moderate  oven  three 
hours. — Kansas  Rome  Cook  Book. 

BAKED  PIE-PLANT. 

Cut  two  pounds  of  pie-plant  into  a pudding 
dish,  sprinkle  over  it  half  a cup  of  sugar  and  two 
table-spoons  of  flour,  or  what  is  better  half  a cup  of 
rolled  bread  crumbs.  Add  water,  until  the  pie-plant 
is  two  thirds  covered.  Bake  in  a quick  oven, 
thirty  or  forty  minutes.  This  method  of  preparing 
pie-plant  removes  the  medicinal  taste,  and  makes 
an  acceptable  spring  dish. 


264 


DIETETICS. 


GRAVY  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Stir  a heaping  tablespoon  of  whole  wheat  flour 
smoothly,  in  half  cup  cold  milk.  When  a pint  of 
milk  boils,  stir  the  above  in  slowly;  add  a half  tea- 
spoon salt.  To  prevent  burning,  melt  a little  but- 
ter in  the  spider  before  pouring  in  the  milk.  It 
is  more  nutritious  and  wholesome  than  meat  gravy. 

FARINA  MUSH. 

Stir  a half  cup  of  farina  slowly  into  a quart  of 
boiling  water;  cook  fifteen  minutes,  stirring  fre- 
quently to  prevent  its  sticking;  add  one-half  cup  of 
cream  just  before  removing  from  the  fire.  Serve 
with  stewed  fruit  or  fruit  sauce. 

MACARONI,  STEWED. 

Cover  half  pound  of  macaroni  with  boiling  water 
and  stew  slowly  two  hours,  without  stirring.  Be- 
fore taking  up,  season  with  salt  and  cream. 

MACARONI,  BAKED. 

Break  in  small  pieces  half  a pound  of  macaroni; 
mix  with  a half  cup  of  shavings  of  cheese  and  a 
half  teaspoon  salt.  Put  into  a baking-dish,  cover 
with  boiling  milk  or  water,  and  bake  two  hours  in 
a moderate  oven. 

CRACKER  OMELET. 

Break  one  quart  of  oyster  crackers  in  small 
pieces;  pour  over  them  one  pint  of  hot  milk,  with 
half  teaspoon  salt.  Stir  in  three  eggs  well  beaten 
and  put  into  a hot  buttered  skillet.  Cook  slowly 
ten  minutes,  stirring  frequently. 

FRUIT  BLANC-MANGE. 

One  quart  of  juice  of  strawberries,  cherries,  grapes 
or  other  juicy  fruit;  one  cup  water.  When  boiling 


DIETETICS. 


•265 


add  two  tablespoonfuls  sugar,  and  four  tablespoon  - 
fuls  corn-starch  wet  in  cold  water;  let  boil  five  or 
six  minutes,  then  mould  in  small  cups.  Serve 
without  sauce  or  with  cream  or  boiled  custard. 
Lemon  juice  can  be  used  the  same,  only  requiring 
more  water.  This  is  a very  valuable  dish  for  con- 
valescents and  pregnant  women,  where  the  stomach 
rejects  solid  food. 

mother’s  apple  pudding. 

One  pint  rolled  bread-crumbs;  two  pints  tart 
apples,  chopped;  one  cup  seedless  raisins;  half  a 
cup  sugar.  Place  in  layers  in  an  earthen  pudding 
dish;  add  one  cup  water;  bake  slowly  two  hours. 
Requires  no  sauce.  Peaches,  cherries,  plums,  etc., 
can  be  used  in  place  of  apples,  and  also  stewed 
dried  fruits. 

RICE  AND  APPLE  PUDDING. 

One  quart  boiled  rice;  three  pints  tart  chopped 
apples;  half  cup  sugar;  put  in  layers  in  earthen 
baking  dish;  add  half  cup  water,  and  bake  two 
hours  slowly.  Raisins,  plums  or  prunelles  can  be 
used  to  flavor  if  desired.  Serve  warm  or  cold,  with 
cream. 

.RICE  AND  RAISINS. 

Three  cups  boiling  water ; one  cup  sweet  milk; 
one  cup  rice;  half  cup  raisins.  Mix  well  together. 
Cook  in  steamer  or  farina-boiler.  Mould,  and  eat 
warm  or  cold,  with  cream  or  fruit  sance. 

RICE  SNOW. 

One  quart  sweet  milk;  five  tablespoonfuls  rice- 
flour  or  corn-starch;  one-half  cup  sugar;  whites  of 
four  eggs.  Boil  the  milk,  stir  in  the  rice-flour 


266 


DIETETICS. 


moistened,  and  add  the  sugar.  When  cold  whip  a 
little  at  a time  into  the  eggs,  after  they  are  well 
beaten.  Mould,  and  serve  with  cream  or  fruit 
sauce. 

RICE  SNOW  BALLS. 

Two  quarts  boiling  water;  one  pint  boiling  milk; 
two  cups  rice  cooked  two  hours  in  farina-boiler 
without  stirring.  Mould  in  small  cups,  and  serve 
with  boiled  custard  or  fruit  sauce. 

RICE  GRIDDLE  CAKES. 

Two  cups  boiled  rice;  one  cup  sweet  milk;  two 
eggs;  one  cup  sifted  flour.  Bake  slowly. 

RICE  OMELET. 

Two  cups  boiled  rice;  one  cup  sweet  milk;  two 
eggs.  Stir  together  with  egg-beater,  and  put  into 
a hot  buttered  skillet.  Cook  slowly  ten  minutes, 
stirring  frequently. 

RICE  AND  BERRY  PUDDING. 

Two  cups  sweet  milk;  two  cups  cold  rice,  samp 
or  barley;  two  cups  blue-berries,  currants,  straw- 
berries, seeded  cherries  or  chopped  apples;  one- 
third  cup  sugar;  two  eggs — yolks  and  whites  sep- 
arate. Time — one  hour;  slow  oven.  Soften  the 
cold  rice  (or  other  grain)  with  the  milk,  working 
out  all  the  lumps;  then  stir  in  the  yolks  and  sugar 
beaten  together,  and  also  the  well-whipped  whites. 
Add  the  fruit,  mixing  it  in  lightly;  pour  the  bat- 
ter into  a dish,  set  in  a dripping-pan  of  boiling 
water,  and  bake  slowly  one  hour.  Serve  cold  or 
lukewarm,  with  or  without  a dressing  of  cream. — 
Health  in  the  Household. 


TOKOLOGY 


APPENDIX 


TO  THE  TENTH  EDITION 

CONTAINING  A CHAPTER  UPON 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE 


AND  A 


FAMILIAR  LETTER 


To  The  Reader  From  The  Author: 


AUTHOR’S  SPECIAL  REQUEST. 


The  author  earnestly  solicits  every  lady  who  has 
followed  the  teachings  of  Tokology  during  preg- 
nancy to  communicate  the  result.  Her  name  will  be 
suppressed  if  desired.  For  the  sake  of  all  suffering 
women  she  asks  a faithful  report  upon  these  points: 

What  experience  in  previous  labors? 

How  long  before  confinement  had  Tokology  ? 

What  hindrances  to  following  directions  ? 

Did  you  take  all  the  exercises  recommended  ? 

Did  you  climb  stairs  and  walk  daily? 

Did  yon  follow  any  occupation  or  do  housework? 

How  near  did  you  dress  according  to  instructions? 

Did  you  take  the  baths  prescribed,  and  which 
gave  the  most  relief  for  existing  symptoms  ? 

Were  hot  sitz  baths  taken  during  confinement? 

How  faithfully  was  fruit  diet  followed? 

Did  you  eat  meat,  pastry  or  butter? 

Did  you  omit  the  products  of  the  wheat  ? 

How  many  meals  a day  were  taken  ? 

Did  you  live  a continent  life  during  the  entire 
nine  months  ? 

Give  the  length  and  severity  of  labor,  also  con- 
dition of  child  at  birth  and  its  subsequent  health. 

Did  you  have  trouble  with  the  breasts  or  any 
post-partem  disease  ? 

State  length  of  time  and  particulars  of  recovery. 

Add  other  items  of  interest,  also  experiences  of 
other  persons  coming  to  your  knowledge,  and 
oblige  A.  B.  Stock haim,  M.  D., 

Chicago,  111. 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 

Change  of  life  is  one  of  the  scape  goats  of  phy- 
sicians and  bugbears  of  patients.  Any  lady  from 
thirty-five  to  fifty-five  years  of  age  ^afflicted  with 
dyspepsia,  neuralgia,  rheumatism,  consumption  or 
any  other  ailment,  the  doctor,  not  being  able  to  cure 
her,  pronounces  it  the  meno-pause  or  “ change  of 
life  ” and  timn  alone  can  bring  relief.  Every  woman 
plans  and  expects  to  give  up  eight  to  ten  years  of 
the  best  part  of  her  life  to  this  climacteric  period. 
She  considers  herself  of  little  account  for  business 
or  social  duties.  She  must  be  petted  and  nursed, 
and  have  every  passing  whim  gratified. 

The  meno-pause  is  simply  a cessation  of  ovula- 
tion. It  is  the  exhaustion  of  the  germ-making 
power.  If  a woman  menstruates  because  of  the 
monthly  ovulation  and  deposit,  she  will  cease  to 
menstruate  because  ovulation  has  ceased  to  be  a 
physiological  function. 

At  puberty  the  ovary  enlarges  and  when  fully 
developed  it  begins  easting  off  each  month  perfected 
ovuli.  These  are  taken  up  by  the  fimbriated  ex- 
tremities of  the  oviducts  and  conveyed  to  the  uterus. 

This  function  of  the  uterus  continues  on  an  aver- 
age thirty-two  years. 

After  the  meno-pause  begins  the  ovaries  become 
small  and  shrivelled,  resembling  a peach  stone  in 
shape  and  appearance. 

(267) 


268 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 


“ At  the  same  time  that  the  ovaries  are  under- 
going this  remarkable  degenerative  change,  a sim- 
ilar change  is  taking  place  in  the  other  organs  of 
generation.  The  uterus  diminishes  in  size,  as  does 
also  the  vagina.  The  mouth  of  the  womb  becomes 
contracted  and  after  a time  entirely  closed.  The 
upper  part  of  the  vagina  is  often  contracted  to  such 
a degree  as  to  produce  folds  closely  resembling 
those  which  result  from  serious  inflammation  about 
the  uterus.  The  breasts  also  diminish  in  size. 
These  changes  indicate  unmistakably  the  decline  of 
the  function  of  reproduction,  preparatory  to  its  en- 
tire suspension. 

“ As  a rule,  the  capability  of  procreation  ceases 
with  the  cessation  of  menstruation  ; but  this  is  not 
universally  the  case. 

“ Instances  are  on  record  in  which  pregnancy  has 
occurred  before  the  appearance  of  menstruation. 
Tli is  seeming  anomaly  is  due  to  the  fact  that  ovu- 
lation and  menstruation  are  really  two  distinct  acts, 
although  usually  coincident.” 

Although  menstruation  usually  ceases  from  the 
forty-fifth  to  the  fiftieth  year,  cases  are  on  record  in 
which  “ change  of  life  ” occurred  at  much  earlier  as 
well  as  later  periods.  Dr.  T.  J.  Patchen  relates  a 
remarkable  case  where  a girl  ceased  menstruation 
at  twenty-two  accompanied  by  all  the  physical 
changes  of  the  organism  as  well  as  attended  by  the 
usual  symptoms  of  that  period.  Cases  are  recorded 
where  menstruation  continued  until  the  seventieth 
year  with  regularity  and  the  reproductive  function 
remained  unimpaired.  In  a state  of  health  the 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 


269 


meno-pause  should  be  attended  by  no  unpleasant 
symptom,  by  no  change  from  the  normal  condition. 

Ordinarily  all  the  sufferings  and  ailments  inci- 
dent to  this  period  can  be  accounted  for  from  some 
ovarian  or  uterine  disease,  dyspepsia  or  other  devi- 
ations from  health.  If  these  deviations  were  cor- 
rected the  “ change  of  life  ” as  a deranged  condition 
would  he  unknown. 

“ The  perturbations  in  the  general  system  at  this 
time  are  of  a character  so  profound  as  to  be  wholly 
inexplicable,  were  not  the  intimate  relations  of  the- 
o varies  with  the  general  system  through  their  ner- 
vous connections  so  thoroughly  understood. 

“ During  the  period  of  menstrual  activity,  a wom- 
an’s system  is  affected,  we  may  say,  dominated,  by 
the  influence  of  these  two  little  glands  in  a most 
remarkable  manner.” 

If  there  is  any  irritation  or  congestion  in  the 
ovaries  more  than  from  any  other  cause  we  may 
expect  the  numerous  symptoms  of  the  climacteric. 

Irregularity  in  menstruation  may  be  looked  for 
about  the  forty  fourth  year  in  temperate  climates. 
In  the  torrid  zone  where  girls  menstruate  as  early 
as  the  tenth  or  twelfth  year  it  may  occur  much 
earlier.  But  in  this  country  it  is  often  delayed 
even  far  beyond  the  fiftieth  year. 

There  may  be  occasional  absence  of  the  menses 
or  it  may  first  be  indicated  by  frequent  and  profuse 
menstruation. 

In  rare  cases  the  menses  cease  suddenly  without 
any  warning  or  any  special  derangement.  Women 
often  feel  alarmed  at  the  sudden  suspension  of  this 


270 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE, 


function  but  their  fears  are  groundless  if  all  other 
functions  are  normal.  With  some  women  the  flow 
is  alternately  scanty  and  profuse  for  months. 

The  length  of  time  in  which  these  symptoms  oc- 
cur is  extremely  variable.  It  may  be  only  a few 
months  or  it  may  be  several  years.  In  extreme 
cases  the  symptoms  have  continued  nearly  twenty 
years. 

The  average  period  however  is  about  three  years. 

These  changes  are  accompanied  by  various  path- 
ological symptoms.  If  there  is  much  hemorrhage 
the  strength  is  greatly  diminished  accompanied  by 
spells  of  prostration  and  fainting.  The  appetite  is 
often  capricious  and  fitful  as  during  pregnancy  or 
at  the  beginning  of  menstruation.  Frequent  de- 
rangements of  stomach,  liver  and  kidneys  occur. 

Skin  diseases,  often  accompanying  this  period, 
are  especially  distressing  from  being  attended  with 
great  itching.  One  also  may  have  constipation,  or 
diarrhoea,  swelled  limbs  or  joints,  swelled  breasts, 
headaches,  with  heat  and  burning  in  top  of  the 
head  or  a sore  pain  at  base  of  the  brain ; dizziness, 
dimness  of  vision  with  floating  specks  before  the 
eyes,  loss  of  voice  and  aching  at  the  base  of  the 
tongue,  insomnia,  strange  cravings,  difficult  breath- 
ing, neuralgia,  hysteria,  etc.,  etc. 

Hot  flashes  or  “ flushings  ” are  especially  pecul- 
iar to  this  period.  First  one  feels  a decided  glow 
or  heat  as  if  suddenly  transported  to  a hot  room  ; 
this  is  soon  followed  by  a perspiration  which  may 
terminate  in  a chill.  They,  too,  are  often  accom- 
panied with  a sense  of  suffocation  or  violent  throb- 
bing. 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 


271 


“ The  phenomenon  is  precisely  the  same  as  flush- 
ing and  indeed  this  may  be  said  to  be  a sort  of  path- 
ological flushing.” 

With  some  the  chill  is  the  precursor  of  the  “hot 
spell.”  The  flashes  occur  at  all  times  of  day  and  often 
one  wakens  with  them  in  the  night.  They  may 
occur  but  two  or  three  times  a day  or  annoy  one 
every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  making  one  wretched 
by  their  frequency.  They  are  often  the  result  of 
some  sudden  emotion  as  fright,  anger,  grief  or  anx- 
iety- They  are  wonderfully  the  product  of  thought. 
By  observation  the  patient  will  notice  they  are  more 
frequent  after  drinking  wine,  tea  and  coffee  or  par- 
taking of  stimulating  food. 

“Sometimes  nausea  and  vomiting  accompany 
flushings  as  does  invariably  a feeling  of  weakness 
and  malaise , to  which  the  patient  should  yield  her- 
self, securing  quiet  and  repose  until  the  equilibrium 
of  the  circulation  is  restored.  Sometimes  the  con- 
gestion of  the  head  becomes  so  intense  as  to  make 
apoplexy  imminent.” 

Profuse  perspirations,  sometimes  so  copious  as 
to  saturate  the  bed  clothing,  are  also  a common 
symptom  of  this  period.  They  may  follow  the  hot 
flushes  or  occur  independently.  They  are  more 
usual  during  sleep.  They  also  accompany  mental 
excitement  of  any  kind. 

“ The  mental  symptoms  are  quite  as  marked  and 
prominent  in  most  cases  as  are  those  which  relate 
to  any  part  of  the  system.  Often  there  is  an  entire 
and  most  remarkable  change  in  disposition.  A 
kind,  patient  mother,  or  forbearing,  confiding,  ex- 


272 


CHANGE  OE  LIFE. 


emplary  wife,  becomes  iri  itable,  unreasonable  and 
suspicious. 

“ Her  natural  modesty  may  even  give  place  to 
wantonness  in  extreme  cases,  and  the  mother  in- 
stincts may  become  so  thoroughly  obliterated  as  to 
give  place  to  an  almost  uncontrollable  desire  to 
take  the  lives  of  her  little  ones.  The  once  happy 
woman  becomes  despondent,  moody  and  taciturn. 
She  avoids  company,  has  no  taste  for  amusements, 
and  spends  her  time  in  watching  the  varying  symp- 
toms, and  bewailing  her  real  and  imaginary  woes. 
In  many  cases,  actual  insanity,  usually  of  a tempo- 
rary character  fortunately,  is  the  result  of  the  pro- 
found disturbances  which  the  system  undergoes  at 
this  time.” 

Uterine  Hemorrhage , common  to  the  “ change 
of  life,”  is  the  only  peculiar  symptom  which  really 
need  cause  any  special  anxiety.  This  may  occur 
once  a month  or  at  longer  intervals  or  may  be  al- 
most constant.  It  may  become  so  profuse  as  to 
endanger  the  life  of  the  patient.  Indeed  one  is 
often  surprised  that  life  can  be  sustained  under  the 
great  loss  of  blood  that  some  experience. 

Tumors,  cancers,  polypi,  etc.,  are  more  frequent 
during  the  meno-pause  than  at  any  other  time  of 
life.  If  the  neck  of  the  womb  has  been  injured  by 
attempts  at  abortion  or  indurations  caused  by  fre- 
quent applications  of  caustics,  conditions  are  pro- 
duced that  are  liable  to  result  in  cancer. 

General  Treatment. — First : convince  yourself 
that  there  is  no  actual  need  of  any  indispositions 
connected  with  the  “change  of  life.”  Forget  all 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 


273 


the  traditions  .-and  teachings  upon  this  subject  and 
learn  that  nature  creates  no  pathological  conditions , 
and  if  you  live  according  to  her  laws  you  can  by  no 
possible  means  experience  suffering. 

You  have  no  use  for  these  ailments.  If  you  are 
possessed  of  any  stubbornness  in  your  nature  bring 
it  into  requisition  at  this  time. 

Plant  your  foot  down  with  emphasis  and  say 
with  one  of  old,  “ Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan.” 

It  is  thoroughly  proven  that  mind  can  control 
even  malignant  diseases  and  a woman  that  has  lived 
until  she  is  forty-five,  should  know  enough  and  be 
strong  enough  in  her  mental  organization  to  say  to 
these  symptoms  “ I will  not  be  your  slave,  you 
cannot  dominate  my  life  and  chain  my  energies.” 
Do  not  wait  for  some  doctor  to  cure  you  with  bread- 
pills  or  placebo  powders. 

The  world  is  only  beginning  to  know  how  much 
can  be  accomplished  for  physical  health  through 
the  controlling  powers  of  the  mind. 

The  physical  should  be  subjective  to  the  mental, 
and  can  be  if  one  learns  the  law. 

The  charge  must  be  laid  to  physicians  that  women 
have  made  such  a mountain  of  the  meno-pause,  and 
they  must  undo  their  work  by  teaching  that  this  is 
only  a natural  change,  and  removing  it  from  the 
category  of  diseases. 

Before  and  during  this  period  observe  all  con- 
ditions of  hygiene. 

Sleep  in  booms  so  thoroughly  ventilated  that  the 
air  will  be  as  pure  and  sweet  as  the  out-door  atmos- 
phere. ^ If  women  would  increase  the  capacity  of 


274 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 


their  lungs  and  breathe  air  abundantly  charged 
with  oxygen,  four-hfths  of  their  ailments  would  be 
prevented.  But  who  has  the  wisdom  to  convince 
them  of  this  ? When  a mother  thinks  her  rosy, 
nine-year  old  daughter  is  deformed  and  she  must 
begin  to  put  her  in  stays  to  change  her  horrid  figure 
to  one  that  is  trim  and  neat,  what  can  we  hope  for 
the  daughter  when  she  takes  the  responsibility  of 
her  own  garments  ? If  I could  do  the  greatest 
thing  to  stay  degeneracy  and  disease  of  the  human 
race  it  would  be  to  convince  women  that  lung 
power  more  than  anything  else  contributes  to  health, 
longevity  and  power  of  endurance. 

The  dress  and  exercise  that  increase  ability 
to  breathe  with  the  diaphragm  and  abdominal  mus- 
cles do  more  to  prevent  and  cure  diseases  of  women 
if  not  all  diseases,  than  all  other  possible  prevent- 
ives or  medicines. 

Upon  rising  in  the  morning  three  or  four  times 
a week,  take  a quick,  invigorating  sponge  bath  ac- 
companied by  friction  from  the  hand,  a Turkish 
towel  or  brush.  (See  page  97.) 

Follow  this  by  a draft  of  cold  or  hot  water,  the 
latter  if  there  is  dyspepsia. 

In  case  of  inflammation  of  the  ovaries  or  uterus 
take  a hot  sitz  bath.  (See  page  172.)  These  may 
be  taken  every  day  for  a week  and  then  every  other 
day.  In  case  of  hemorrhage  this  bath  is  invaluable 
and  will  relieve  it  when  all  other  means  have  failed. 
(See  page  185.)  This  bath  can  be  taken  during  the 
hemorrhage  or  at  frequent  intervals  between  times. 

Hot  or  tepid  vaginal  in  jections  are  invaluable  for 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 


275 


controlling  hemorrhage  and  removing  congestion 
of  the  uterus.  For  this  it  is  best  to  use  a fountain 
syringe,  hung  very  high  so  as  to  get  good  force  to 
the  water.  This  measure  alone  often  removes 
many  of  the  unpleasant  symptoms  of  the  meno- 
pause. 

For  pain  in  the  hack  apply  hot  fomentations 
twice  a day.  The  hot  water  bottle  is  the  best  for 
this.  Should  l>e  very  hot  and  continued  thirty  or 
forty  minutes  or  even  longer.  If  there  is  pain  at 
base  of  the  brain  or  in  the  pelvic  region  this  same 
application  is  invaluable. 

Th e flushings  may  be  relieved  temporarily  by 
bathing  in  very  hot  water  in  which  there  is  tinctui’e 
of  lobelia.  Use  one  teaspoonful  to  a quart  of  water. 

The  hot  air  bath  taken  three  times  a week  will 
be  found  invaluable. 

For  profuse  svceating  bathe  in  alcohol  and  aqua- 
ammonia,  equal  parts,  heated  over  steam,  as  hot  as 
can  be  borne.  Or  rub  with  very  hot  fine  salt.  Hot 
baths  will  be  found  useful  for  this  also. 

The  diet  during  the  change  of  life  should  be 
simple,  consisting  largely  of  fruits  and  grains. 
These  can  be  prepared  in  many  palatable  and  dainty 
dishes.  (See  Dietetics,  page  235.) 

If  one  has  been  accustomed  to  high  living,  to 
rich  and  greasy  food  composed  largely  of  the 
carbonaceous  starch,  sugar  and  fat,  a change  to  a 
simple  diet  will  work  wonders  in  a short  time.  The 
whole  system  will  be  relieved  and  a new  life  will  be 
lived. 

The  habit  once  established  for  a diet  that  furn- 


276 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 


ishes  the  nutriment  demanded  for  the  system,  one 
cannot  be  induced  to  return  to  that  which  gorges, 
stimulates  and  fattens,  but  does  not  nourish.  The 
real  relish  and  gustatory  pleasure  found  in  a fruit 
and  grain  diet  can  never  be  appreciated  by  those 
who  indulge  in  inconsistent  mixtures  of  stimulants 
and  disease  producing  elements. 

We  have  only  to  look  at  the  record  of  such  lives 
as  Humboldt,  Goethe  and  Bryant  to  know  what  a 
life  of  temperance  and  plain  living  will  accomplish. 

If  there  is  no  appetite  wait  for  its  bidding ; do 
not  coax  it  by  stimulants  and  appetizers.  Best  of 
the  digestive  organs  is  often  the  best  and  surest 
cure  for  many  diseases. 

Let  the  woman  who  is  a sufferer  from  hot  flushes, 
dizziness,  neuralgia,  etc.,  give  up  strong  tea  and 
coffee,  hot  bread,  pork,  and  rich  pies  and  cake. 
Eat  only  what  the  appetite  demands ; and  until  the 
severest  symptoms  are  relieved,  partake  of  food 
not  more  than  twice  a day  and  possibly  only  once. 
In  fasting  if  the  stomach  has  a feeling  of  goneness 
or  craving,  drink  a cup  of  hot  water,  hot  lemonade 
or  thin  gruel  made  from  wheat,  barley  or  oats.  A 
sense  of  faintness  and  the  inability  to  omit  or  post- 
pone a single  meal  is  almost  a sure  indication  of 
dyspepsia. 

If  digestion  is  entirely  perfect  these  feelings  can 
not  occur  even  from  a fast  of  three  or  four  days. 

In  hundreds  of  cases  all  the  symptoms  and  dis- 
eases of  change  of  life  will  yield  to  treatment  for 
dyspepsia. 

Constipation  is  not  unfrequently  the  cause  of 


CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 


277 


diseases  of  the  meno-pause.  Look  to  it  that  a con- 
stipated habit  is  entirely  overcome.  Study  and 
follow  the  hints  in  Chapter  V.,  and  the  cases  are  rare 
that  torpidity  of  the  bowels  cannot  be  removed. 

If  the  habit  is  allowed  it  is  at  one’s  peril.  Simple 
measures  often  give  the  surest  relief. 

For  any  serious  illness  accompanying  the  “ change 
of  life,”  a physician  should  be  consulted.  In  all 
ordinary  cases,  however,  one  can  be  relieved  en- 
tirely and  that  in  a short  time  by  religiously  fol- 
lowing; the  foregoing1  advice.  Nature  is  kind  and 
heals  all  our  maladies  if  we  only  give  her  the  shad- 
ow of  an  opportunity.  In  the  climacteric  period 
put  yourself  in  harmony  with  nature’s  laws  and 
you  will  have  no  occasion  for  the  physician’s  potions. 


A FAMILIAR  LETTER 

TO  THE  READER  FROM  THE  AUTHOR. 


In  presenting  a revised  edition  of  Tokology , at 
the  urgent  request  of  many  readers,  a chapter  has 
been  added  upon  “ Change  of  Life.” 

If  the  simple  suggestions  given  upon  this  matter 
are  followed,  the  burden  of  suffering  will  be  re- 
moved from  the  lives  of  many  women. 

People  have  become  so  accustomed  to  swallow- 
ing pills,  powders  and  potions  for  even  slight  ail- 
ments that  it  is  difficult  to  convince  them  that  there 
are  simpler  and  better  methods.  These  methods 
are  not  only  often  more  effectual  hut  are  also  devoid 
of  the  injurious  consequences  resulting  from  the 
use  of  poisonous  drugs.  A vast  amount  of  chronic 
diseases  with  which  people  are  afflicted  are  the 
effect  of  customary  palliative  treatment  by  reme- 
dies which  only  stay  the  expression  of  the  disease 
without  removing  the  cause. 

A chapter  upon  menstruation  with  the  derange- 
ments of  this  function  would  have  been  added,  if 
the  subject  was  not  so  ably  handled  in  “For  Girls,” 
a special  physiology,  by  Mrs.  E.  E.  Shepherd.  'We. 
can  most  cordially  recommend  this  work  to  everv 
mother,  desiring  the  enlightenment  of  daughters 
upon  subjects  of  vital  importance.  The  interests 
tSTS'' 


MENSTRUATION. 


279 


of  humanity  demand  that  our  girls  snould  have 
special  education  for  the  responsible  positions  of 
wife  and  mother.  We  entreat  every  thinking- 
parent  to  encourage  the  perusal  of  “For  Girls”  as 
introductory  to  the  study  of  Tokology. 

In  passing,  however,  we  will  say  that  if  both 
women  and  girls  remember  that  if  they  obey  the 
general  laws  of  health  and  hygiene  as  taught  in 
Tokology , most  of  the  derangements  peculiar  to  our 
sex  can  be  prevented  as  well  as  often  cured. 

Menstruation  should  be  entirely  devoid  of  suffer- 
ing. A woman  should  have  no  cognizance  of  this 
function  save  by  the  discharge.  Could  this  be  the 
rule  instead  of  the  prevalent  exception,  the  capacity 
of  strength  and  endurance  either  for  work  or  pleas- 
ure  would  be  increased  one  hundred  fold.  The 
nation  not  only  needs  strong  men  but  strong 
women,  strong  in  physical  as  well  as  mental  de- 
velopment. This  strength  is  required  for  prose- 
cuting a persistent  warfare  against  prevailing  and 
existing  wrongs  as  well  as  transmitting  health  and 
vigor  to  the  coming  generation. 

Correspondents  ask  us  if  the  sex  of  the  child  can 
be  predetermined.  We  have  no  positive  informa- 
tion upon  this  subject,  but  are  investigating  the 
theory  of  Dr.  Sixt,  a German  physician,  with  great 
interest.  He  claims  that  the  right  testicle  and 
right  ovum  secrete  the  male  principle  and  the  left 
the  female,  and  that  in  coition  the  sperm  is  in- 
jected from  one  testicle  only.  His  experiments 
upon  animals  prove  his  theory.  Whenever  the 
left  testicle  was  removed  the  animal  would  beget 


280 


LIMITING  OFFSPRING. 


males  only,  and  when  the  right  one  females.  In 
this  theory,  Dr.  Sixt  says : “ If  a boy  is  desired 

the  man  has  to  observe  the  following  rules : 

1.  He  must,  previous  to  coition  and  before  the 
spermatic  vesicles  become  compressed  by  the  mus- 
cles, lie  to  the  right  of  his  wife,  put  the  right  knee 
over  first,  for  by  so  doing  he  produces  a stronger 
tension  of  the  muscle  which  is  to  draw  up  the  right 
testicle,  after  which  he  draws  in  the  left  knee. 

2.  Take  his  position  in  such  a manner  that  the 
riuli t side  becomes  rather  more  strained  than  the 
left — therefore  he  is  to  bend  the  upper  part  of  the 
body  towards  the  left.” 

In  order  to  secure  the  desired  result  it  is  well 
enough  to  notice  during  coition  the  state  of  the 
testicles,  and  if  need  be  press  the  right  or  left  one, 
as  the  male  or  female  child  is  desired,  up  against 
the  abdomen.  Any  person  being  in  possession  of 
facts  bearing  upon  this  theory  will  confer  a favor 
by  communicating  them. 

We  have  also  been  frequently  importuned  to 
give  more  fully  our  opinions  upon  the  subject  of 
parents  limiting  the  size  of  the  family. 

Most  emphatically  we  believe  in  fewer  children 
and  better.  Men  and  women,  wise  in  many  things 
of  the  world,  permit  generation  as  a chance  result  of 
copulation  without  thought  of  physical  or  mental 
conditions  to  be  transmitted  to  the  child.  Coition, 
the  one  important  act,  of  all  others  carrying  with  it 
the  most  vital  results,  is  usually  committed  for  selfish 
gratification.  Many  a drunkard  owes  his  life-long 
appetite  for  alcohol  to  the  fact  that  the  inception 


LIMITING-  OFFSPRING. 


281 


of  his  life  could  be  traced  to  a night  of  dissipation. 
Physical  degeneracy  and  mental  derangements  are 
often  caused  by  the  parents  producing  offspring 
when  laboring  under  great  mental  strain  or  bodily 
fatigue.  Shall  not  intelligent  men  and  women 
seek  to  avert  the  effect  of  such  disastrous  influences 
from  the  human  beings  for  whose  existence  they 
are  responsible  ? 

The  maternal  instinct  is  inherent  in  women,  so 
engraven  in  their  being  that  even  murderous  in- 
tent on  the  part  of  parents  scarcely  ever  eradi- 
cates it.  With  this  natural  desire  for  children,  we 
believe  few  women  would  abuse  the  knowledge  or 
privilege  of  controlling  conception. 

Women  shrink  from  forced  maternity  and  from 
the  bearing  of  children  under  the  great  burden  of 
suffering,  as  well  as  other  adverse  conditions.  It 
is  rare,  though,  to  find  a woman  who  is  not  greatly 
disappointed  if  she  does  not,  some  time  in  her  life, 
wear  the  crown  of  motherhood.  An  eminent  lady 
teacher,  in  talking  to  her  pupils,  once  said : “ The 

greatest  calamity  that  can  befall  a woman  is  never 
to  have  a child.  The  next  greatest  calamity  is  to 
have  one  only.” 

From  my  professional  experience  I am  happy  to 
testify  that  more  women  seek  to  overcome  causes 
of  sterility  than  knowledge  of  limiting  the  size  of 
the  family,  or  me’ans  to  destroy  the  embryo.  Also 
if  consultation  for  the  latter  purpose  was  sought  it 
usually  was  at  the  instigation  of  the  husband. 

Believing  in  the  rights  of  unborn  children  and 
the  maternal  instinct,  1 consecpiently  belie. e that 


282 


WISER  PARENTHOOD. 


no  knowledge  should  be  withheld  that  will  secure 
proper  conditions  for  the  best  parenthood. 

It  is  believed  by  many  of  our  advanced  physiolo- 
gists and  philanthropists  that  the  law  of  continence 
should  be  the  law  to  govern  married  people  in  the 
sexual  relation.  (See  page  144.)  However,  if  a 
woman  is  not  convinced  of  the  truth  of  this  theory 
or  is  practically  unable  to  accord  her  life  to  it,  we 
■would  suggest  to  her  the  study  of  the  physiological 
laws  of  ovulation.  Married  people,  living  a life 
of  temperance  and  moderation,  with  this  knowledge 
are  enabled  with  a degree  of  certainty  to  limit  the 
size  of  the  family. 

It  requires  from  eight  to  ten  days  for  the  matura- 
tion and  passage  of  the  ovum  through  the  oviducts 
and  uterus.  Hence  avoiding  the  sexual  act  abso- 
lutely during  a period  of  ten  or  twelve  days  after 
the  appearance  of  the  menses,  immunity  from  im- 
pregnation is  insured  in  a state  of  health.  Yery 
frequent  and  intemperate  indulgence  after  this  in 
rare  cases  may  develop  another  ovum,  but  will  not 
where  one’s  life  is  governed  by  moderation  and  the 
relation  is  participated  in  mutually  by  both  parties. 
Disease  and  discord  are  sure  to  result  if  it  is  not  a 
mutual  relation. 

Many  of  the  means  used  to  prevent  conception 
are  injurious,  and  often  lay  the  foundation  fur  a 
train  of  physical  ailments.  Probably  no  one  means 
is  more  serious  in  its  consequences  than  the  semen 
being  discharged  external  to  the  vagina.  The  act 
is  incomplete  and  unnatural  and  is  followed  by 
symptoms  similar  and  as  unpleasant  as  those  follow- 


WISER  PARENTHOOD. 


283 


ing  masturbation.  In  the  male  it  often  results  in 
impotence,  in  the  female  in  sterility.  In  both 
sexes  many  nervous  symptoms  are  produced,  such 
as  headache,  defective  vision,  dyspepsia,  insomnia, 
loss  of  memory,  etc.  Very  many  cases  of  uterine 
diseases  can  be  attributed  solely  to  this  practice. 

The  objection  to  the  use  of  the  syringe  is  that  if 
the  sperm  has  passed  into  the  uterus  the  fluid  can 
not  reach  it.  A cold  fluid  in  some  instances  may 
produce  contractions  to  throw  it  off,  but  cannot 
be  relied  upon.  Drugs  that  are  used  to  destroy 
the  germ  are  likely  to  be  injurious,  and  cannot  ac- 
complish the  purpose  beyond  the  vagina. 

Some  of  the  appliances  sold  for  this  purpose 
are  a sure  prevention  by  mechanical  interference. 
If  the  material  is  pliable  the  only  positive  in- 
jury is  from  preventing  complete  interchange  of 
magnetism,  and  the  harm  may  be  considered  more 
a negative  than  a positive  one. 

A theory  is  advanced  that  conception  is  under 
tkecontrol  of  the  woman’s  will;  that  by  avoiding 
the  last  thrill  of  passion  herself,  during  coition,  she 
can  prevent  the  ovules  being  displaced  to  meet  the 
male  germs.  By  some  also  a theory  called  sedular 
absorption  is  advanced.  In  this  intercourse  is  had 
without  culmination.  No  discharge  is  allowed. 
People  practicing  this  method  claim  the  highest 
possible  enjoyment,  no  loss  of  vitality,  and  perfect 
control  of  the  fecundating  power. 

When  men  and  women  learn  that  the  procrea- 
tive function  is  the  highest  function  of  their  nature, 
and  consequently  that  passion  instead  of  domi- 


284: 


TESTIMONIALS. 


nating  their  lives  should  be  under  the  reign  of 
reason,  then  may  we  hope  for  a wiser,  happier  and 
purer  race  of  beings.  Wiser  parenthood  and  in- 
telligent generation  is  the  surest  regeneration. 

In  answer  to  inquiries  for  knowledge  upon  pre- 
natal culture,  we  refer  to  A.  E.  Newton’s  esti- 
mable work  upon  this  subject.  At  first  we  were 
jealous  that  such  a needed  work  was  not  written 
by  a woman,  but  we  have  become  thankful  that 
that  man  lives  whose  heart  is  in  sympathy  with  the 
needs  of  the  race,  and  was  inspired  to  give  us  such 
words  of  wisdom.  He  shows  us  how  we  may  take 
the  crude  metal,  fashion  and  burnish  it  into  a thing 
of  beauty. 

For  further  knowledge  upon  uterine  diseases  we 
refer  the  reader  to  G.  W.  Taylor’s  Diseases  of 
Women.  Also  for  more  extended  knowledge 
upon  common  maladies  of  adults  or  children,  the 
reader  is  reminded  of  the  value  of  Kuddock’s 
Family  Doctor,  a new  edition  of  which  is  just 
revised  and  published  by  Dr.  Gross  of  this  city. 

Already  we  have  had  many  testimonials  of 
people  who  have  derived  benefit  from  following 
the  teachings  of  Tokology.  Frequently  a lady 
writes  that  she  would  not  take  $10.00  for  her  copy 
if  she  could  not  procure  another.  One  writes : “ It 
has  been  such  a comfort  to  prepare  dainty  and 
palatable  dishes  for  an  invalid  mother  from  the 
recipes  in  dietetics.  It  is  a great  gratification  to 
her  that  she  can  even  have  pies  and  puddings  that 
can  do  her  no  possible  harm.” 


TESTIMONIALS. 


285 


Mrs.  W.,  of  Forest  City,  says:  “ 1 nave  de- 
pended on  Tokology  for  knowledge  in  bringing  up 
nay  twin  babies.  Have  taken  them  through  attacks 
of  croup  and  summer  complaint,  and  have  not  had 
to  call  a doctor.” 

Mr.  J.  C.  A.,  of  Henderson,  Ky.,  says : “ I 

have  been  afflicted  25  years  with  constipation,  and 
rejoice  to  say  I am  entirely  relieved  by  following 
the  diet  and  exercises  recommended  in  Tokology. 
I wish  every  one  knew  the  value  of  these  simple 
measures.” 

Mrs.  E.  J.  McElwain,  of  Mich.,  says : “ A friend 

of  mine,  advanced  to  the  seventh  month  of  preg- 
nancy, bought  Tokology.  She  lived  entirely  by  the 
instructions  contained  therein.  Last  Monday  was 
confined.  The  child  was  born  before  the  Doctor 
or  any  one  could  get  there.  She  is  a true  woman, 
and  desires  every  woman  to  have  the  benefit  of  her 
experience.”  This  is  only  one  of  many  similar 
testimonials.* 

One  gentleman  says  he  would  not  take  $10.00 
for  Tokology.  When  he  bought  it  his  wife  was 
unable  to  walk  across  the  floor,  but  by  following 
the  lessons  of  that  little  book  she  can  go  up  and 
down  stairs  as^easy  as  he  can. 

Dr.  E.  M.  Hale,  of  Chicago,  says  : “ I consider 

Tokology  the  very  best  book  that  can  be  put  into 
the  hands  of  a girl  or  young  wife.” 

By  permission  a few  extracts  are  taken  from  let- 
ters which  are  only  similar  to  many  received,  giv- 
ing wouderful  proof  of  the  efficacy  of  the  teachings 


286 


TESTIMONIALS. 


of  Tokology.  In  many  families  the  work  is  used 
as  a reference  book,  while  others  loan  it  to  friends 
and  neighbors,  keeping  it  on  its  mission  of  health 
and  happiness. 

My  Dear  De.  Stockham: — I have  had  three  chil- 
dren and  in  the  delivery  of  each  have  suffered  com- 
paratively no  pain.  With  the  two  first  the  physi- 
cian was  not  in  the  house  ten  minutes  before  the 
birth  of  the  child,  while  the  last  was  born  half  an 
hour  before  his  arrival,  although  he  made  all  pos- 
sible haste.  I had  never  heard  anything  in  regard 
to  painless  child-birth.  I never  was  strong  and 
being  over  thirty  before  my  first  child  was  born, it 
was  a mystery  to  myself  and  friends  why  I should 
have  such  easy  labors.  Several  months  ago  I read 
Tokology  and  then  I understood  it,  for  accidentally 
I had  lived  according  to  its  teachings.  My  diet 
was  entirely  of  fruits  and  grains.  Meats  I had  a 
positive  dislike  for,  and  never  ate  them.  Lemons 
I craved  and  would  eat  three  or  four  a day,  also  all 
kinds  of  fruits.  Pastries  I cared  nothing  for,  liv- 
ing on  rice,  oat-meal,  etc.,  and  the  result  was  as  you 
teach,  a painless  child-birth.  One  of  my  friends, 
Mrs.M.  H.,  of  Springfield,  Ohio,  in  her  first  confine- 
ment, which  was  severe  and  prolonged,  came  near 
losing  her  life  with  that  of  her  babe.  The  cervix 
and  perineum  were  lacerated,  and  her  confinement 
was  followed  by  inflammation  aDd  prolonged  pros- 
tration. Her  physician  said  she  probably  could 
not  again  become  pregnant;  if  she  did  she  would 
surely  die.  This  was  five  years  ago.  Last  spring 
she  again  conceived, and  was  very  despondent,  fear- 


TESTIMONIALS. 


287 


ing  the  worst.  When  I heard  of  it  I sent  her  To- 
kology. Hopefully  she  began  following  its  teach- 
ings. She  was  amply  repaid  by  being  safely  de- 
livered, comparatively  without  pain,  and  no  sub- 
sequent illness,  in  her  own  language,  “feeling  so 
well  it  seemed  an  absurdity  to  remain  in  bed.”  I 
have  known  several  others  who  have  followed  To- 
kology,, and  in  each  case  it  has  proved  equally  suc- 
cessful. How  I wish  that  every  pregnant  woman 
could  have  this  grand  work.  I know  then  the  agony 
so  many  women  endure  would  be  prevented. 

Sallie  A.  Goff, 

Lincoln , Kan. 

Dear  Doctor:— I am  astonished  at  the  benefits 
derived  from  Tokology.  I had  the  book  only  a few 
weeks  before  confinement;  when  I procured  it  my 
feet  were  so  bloated  I could  scarcely  walk  across  the 
room.  I followed  the  advice  in  the  book  faithfully 
and  in  a short  time  got  so  smart  I could  do  my 
work  with  ease.  The  night  before  confinement  1 
walked  two  miles  and  came  home  feeling  well.  I 
got  up  in  the  morning  and  gathered  up  my  clothes 
for  washing,  but.  soon  found  I had  other  business 
on  hand.  At  10  o’clock,  a.  m.,  I had  a nice  little 
daughter;  was  only  sick  one  hour  and  no  very  hard 
pain.  Always  before,  my  sickness  at  such  times 
had  been  long  and  severe.  Have  lain  unconscious 
for  hours.  My  recovery  too  from  previous  labors 
has  been  very  lingering.  This  time  in  five  days  1 
was  dressed  and  stood  upon  my  feet;  in  two  weeks 
was  able  to  take  care  of  my  child  and  do  much  be- 


288 


TESTIMONIALS. 


sides.  No  money  could  buy  my  book  from  me.  I 
most  cheerfully  give  my  experience  for  the  benefit 
of  others. 

Mrs.  Maggie  Mead, 

Friend , Feb. 


To  Doctor  Stockham,  whom  I call  my  best 
friend. — When  about  three  months  advanced  in 
pregnancy  I bought  Tokology.  My  health  was 
very  poor, — was  a constant  sufferer.  My  children 
had  all  been  weak  and  puny,  and  died  when  from 
three  to  six  months  old.  With  the  last  I lost  my  own 
health;  many  said  I would  not  live  to  have  another 
child.  I have  followed  the  directions  of  Tokology 
to  the  letter.  From  the  first  my  health  improved, 
and  I had  a comfortable  confinement.  The  contrast 
to  the  previous  labors  was  as  day  is  to  night.  I 
can  truly  say,  I owe  my  life  to  Tokology.  Could  I 
not  get  another  I would  not  take  $100  for  it.  I 
wish  every  woman  knew  the  value  of  the  work  as 
Ido. 


Mrs.  A.  B.  Stewart, 

St.  Paul , Minn. 


My  Dear  Miss  Stockham:— In  presenting  me 
your  mother’s  book,  you  add  another  one,  to  your 
many  kind  and  thoughtful  deeds,  which  will  aid  me 
wonderfully  in  my  mission  as  wife  and  mother. 
Tokology  contains  a wealth  of  enlightenment  cal- 
culated to  promote  all  that  is  pure  and  noble.  You 
and  your  mother  are  truly  great  philanthropists. 

Marie  F.  Bornefeld, 

Galveston , Tex. 


TESTIMONIALS. 


289 


I wish  to  thank  Dr.  Stockham  for  Tokology.  I 
followed  its  teachings  and  know  I was  greatly 
helped.  I wish  every  young  wife  and  her  husband 
could  study  it.  How  I wish  I could  have  read  this 
boo  twenty-five  years  ago;  it  would  have  saved 
me  years  of  suffering. 

M.  A.  Luley, 

St.  Paul , Minn. 

Dear  Dr.  Stockham: — My  delivery  was  the 
shortest  and  easiest  I ever  had.  The  Lord  was 
good  to  mein  giving  me  what  1 needed.  Tokology 
proved  a great  blessing  as  my  health  improved  all 
the  time.  I have  a fine  little  girl  who  is  perfectly 
healthy.  I can  with  good  conscience  recommend 
Tokology.  My  sister  officiated  as  midwife  by  the 
instructions  in  the  book,  though  previously  entirely 
inexperienced,  and  did  so  well.  How  can  any  one 
help  understanding  your  plain  directions ! I feel 
very  grateful  that  Tokology  ever  came  into  my 
hands.  Some  of  the  suggestions  are  invaluable. 
Bathing  the  babe  in  sweet  oil  worked  like  a charm. 
“Hot  tying  the  cord,”  of  which  some  were  fearful, 
worked  so  nicely.  I thank  the  Lord  for  giving  you 
the  power  to  write  such  a valuable  book. 

Mrs.  L.  A.  Sherman, 

Litchfield , 111. 

My  Dear  Mrs.  Talbot: — Your  invaluable  gift 
Tokology  reached  me  Christmas  morning.  I was 
in  bed  suffering  intensely  from  uterine  disease.  I 
eagerly  grasped  the  book  and  read  as  I never  did 
before.  Many  times  I have  said  that  God  had 
19 


290 


TESTIMONIALS. 


shown  no  consideration  for  frail,  delicate  women; 
that  bearing  children  was  a blight  to  womanhood 
and  a curse  to  the  marriage  vow.  Why  was  this  ? 
My  heart  has  been  in  one  life-long  rebellion.  I 
could  not  be  resigned  to  the  agony  endured  by 
wives  and  mothers.  I knew  there  was  something 
terribly  wrong.  Tokology  has  solved  the  problem 
for  me.  .You  cannot  imagine  how  happy  it  has 
made  me.  Already  I begin  to  feel  the  joy  of  re- 
turning health.  I want  all  my  friends  and  neigh 
bors  to  have  the  book.  My  parents  and  sisters 
must  read  it.  I can  never  tell  what  a blessing 
your  gift  has  bestowed  on  me  and  us.  I thank 
you  a thousand  times. 

S.  L.  Piggott, 

Shreveport , La. 

The  following  is  a P.  S.  to  a business  letter 
from  a lawyer: 

Mrs.  K.  wishes  me  to  add  that  she  faithfully 
followed  your  instructions,  in  regard  to  fruit  diet 
and  sitz  baths  and  owes  you  very  much  for  good 
results  obtained.  The  doctor  did  not  reach  the 
house  until  half  an  hour  after  the  child  was  born. 
She  really  experienced  but  one  severe  pain,  while 
our  first  child  caused  her  much  suffering.  We 
both  are  grateful  for  the  science  you  teach. 

W.  F.  Kenfield, 

Huron , Dak. 

Mr  Dear  Doctor In  all  previous  confinements 
I had  very  severe  after-pain;  when  I asked  the  doc- 
tor for  something  to  give  relief,  he  replied  so  un- 


TESTIMONIALS. 


291 


feelingly  that  this  is  nature’s  method  of  restoring 
the  womb  to  its  natural  condition  and  our  first 
parents  had  no  medicine  for  after-pains.  Thanks 
to  Tokology , I had  no  after-pains  this  time.  I 
followed  the  fruit  and  grain  diet,  often  using  three 
lemons  a day.  I always  took  a glass  of  hot  lemon- 
ade before  breakfast.  How  good  of  a woman  to 
write  these  things  as  you  have  done  for  women. 

Yours  truly, 

Mrs.  K.  J., 

Louisville,  Ky. 

The  following  is  from  a lady  physician  of  large 
experience  : 

Dear  Doctor: — I am  glad  to  add  my  testimony 
to  the  truths  of  Tokology.  I was  past  thirty-five 
when  I first  became  pregnant,  but  by  hygienic 
training  before  aVid  during  pregnancy,  I bore  three 
children  without  suffering.  I ate  food  containing 
little  or  no  bone-forming  material.  Every  day 
took  plenty  of  exercise;  gardening,  walking,  gath- 
ering fruit,  etc.  I was  careful  that  my  dress  caused 
no  restriction  about  my  waist,  abdomen  or  hips, 
not  wearing  even  one  band  to  an  undergarment.  I 
took  sitz  baths  before  retiring,  and  during  the 
entire  pregnancy  enjoyed  perfect  health.  Still  on 
account  of  my  age  I fully  expected  some  suffering 
in  child-birth.  On  the  morning  of  the  3d  of 
December,  I noticed  painless  contraction  of  the 
u terus,  recurring  regularly  every  hour,  the  inter- 
vals gradually  shortening  to  twenty  minutes  by 
dark.  I spent  the  evening  very  pleasantly  enter- 
taining company;  no  one  suspecting  I was  in  labor. 


292 


TESTIMONIALS. 


I went  to  bed  and  slept  until  11  o’clock,  when  I was 
awakened  by  a positive  expulsive  effort;  still  no 
pain.  I aroused  my  husband  asking  him  to  pre- 
pare a hot  sitz  bath,  which  was  very  grateful.  My 
husband  was  anxious  to  call  the  doctor  and  nurse 
and  also  to  arouse  my  mother  who  was  in  the 
house,  but  I assured  him  it  was  too  soon.  Al- 
though I had  lived  carefully,  I fully  believed  I 
must  sutler  and  I begged  him  to  disturb  no  one 
until  I became  sick.  In  a few  minutes  I felt  I 
must  arise  from  the  sitz  bath  and  quickly  knelt 
beside  a chair.  The  next  expulsive  effort  brought  a 
welcome  little  stranger.  I poured  my  heart  out  in 
gratitude  for  the  knowledge  that  had  brought 
about  such  wonderful  results.  With  my  own 
hands  I tied  the  cord  and  removed  the  placenta. 
I fixed  myself  nicely  in  bed  and  enjoyed  the  wash- 
ing and  dressing  of  my  own  darling  with  true 
motherly  delight.  My  own  mother  in  an  adjoin 
ing  room  knew  nothing  of  the  event  until  all  was' 
over.  The  second  day  I was  out  doors  and  the  third 
I took  a short  ride  to  visit  a patient  who  needed 
a minor  surgical  operation. 

When  my  second  child  was  born  we  had  just 
made  the  trip  by  steamer  from  New  York  to  San 
Francisco.  We  had  been  out  to  an  evening  lec- 
ture and  were  guests  at  a Water  Cure,  separated 
from  our  baggage.  I had  slept  quietly  about  an 
hour  when  I became  aware  that  I must  arouse  my 
husband  to  go  for  one  trunk  with  all  possible  speed. 
Although  a -short  distance,  and  he  hastened,  the 
child  was  born  without  pain  while  I was  entirely 


TESTIMONIALS, 


293 


alone.  I really  felt  no  need  of  assistance.  With  the 
dear  boy  w ho  has  blessed  every  hour  since  his  ad- 
vent, we  continued  the  journey  to  Santa  Cruz 
the  third  day  of  his  life,  with  no  bad  results.  My 
third  child  was  born  with  only  half  an  hour’s  pain- 
less expulsive  effort  and  as  usual  I was  up  and  out 
doors  the  second  day  after.  If  women  could  be 
made  to  understand  what  is  gained  by  absolutely 
dressing  the  waist  free  from  any  pressure  or  con- 
striction we  could  hopefully  predict  a near  mil- 
lennium of  safety  and  freedom  of  pain  in  child- 
birth. It  seems  almost  hopeless  to  convince  any 
lady  that  the  bands  of  her  skirts  and  drawers  are 
any  detriment  to  her  in  the  performance  of  natural 
functions.  I have  known  of  hundreds  of  cases 
where  natural  conditions  have  brought  about 
results  similar  to  my  own  experience.  I must 
take  from  my  diary  one  case,  a strong  proof  of  the 
truths  taught  in  Tokology.  Mrs.  H.  of  Phila- 
delphia in  the  fifth  month  of  pregnancy  placed  her- 
self under  my  care.  She  was  married  at  thirty-five 
and  soon  became  pregnant.  At  her  full  term 
surgeons  discovered  deformity  of  the  pelvis,  and 
were  forced  to  perform  craniotomy,  and  instru- 
mental delivery.  She  was  told  she  never  could 
give  birth  to  a living  child.  Twice  subsequently, 
by  eminent  surgeons,  abortion  was  produced  in 
order  to  save  her  life.  In  this  last  pregnancy,  she 
was  told  that  her  constitution  was  so  undermined 
it  would  be  certain  death  to  destroy  the  fetus  and 
she  had  better  take  her  chances  by  going  full  term. 
She  came  under  my  care  with  the  expectation  of 


294 


TESTIMONIALS. 


only  four  months  of  life,  very  feeble  and  a great 
sufferer.  I was  never  more  determined  that  any 
one  should  have  the  advantage  of  the  truths  of 
Tokology.  I kept  her  out  doors  lying  on  a cot  and 
had  her  practice  deep  breathing  and  gymnastics. 
Three  times  daily  she  had  massage  upon  her  ex- 
tremities, mostly,  and  general  rubbing  of  the 
entire  surface  in  the  morning.  I gave  her  cool  sitz 
baths  two  and  three  times  a day.  She  soon  began 
to  take  short  walks,  although  when  she  came,  was 
unable  to  cross  the  room  alone.  Before  the  child 
was  born  she  could  walk  with  ease  a mile  before 
partaking  of  her  breakfast  of  fresh  fruit.  Al- 
though deformed  and  apparently  a physical  wreck, 
by  reliance  upon  these  simple  methods  only,  dis- 
carding all  drugs,  she  brought  forth  a living  child 
with  only  a few  hours  of  suffering.  She  has  ever 
since  been  a proud,  healthy,  happy  mother.  May 
God  bless  you,  dear  doctor,  in  your  mission  of  good 
health  to  women.  Ever  faithfully, 

Harriet  IT.  Larkins,  M.  D. 

Wright , Dickey  Co .,  Dak. 

Occasionally  it  has  come  to  my  knowledge  that 
persons  following  the  teachings  of  Tokology  in 
pregnancy  have  failed  in  securing  desired  results. 
In  such  cases,  almost  invariably  investigation  has 
proven  that  some  of  the  directions  have  not  been 
followed.  .Nearly  always  the  fruit  diet  has  been 
adopted  quite  faithfully,  and  sitz-baths  taken  as  di- 
rected. Often  no  special  change  has  been  made 
in  dress,  the:  exercises  have  been  omitted,  and  the 
teachings  in  Chapter  XI  entirely  ignored. 


TESTIMONIALS. 


295 


These  are  all  equally  important  with  diet  and 
"bathing.  The  millennium  for  women,  so  far  as 
health  is  concerned,  would  be  at  hand,  if  they  could 
he  convinced  of  the  injurious  results  of  corsets, 
hands,  and  heavy  skirts.  These  must  be  discarded. 
There  is  no  compromise,  if  one  desires  the  phy- 
sical development  so  essential  to  healthy  child-bear- 
ing. The  stock-raiser  would  not  allow  one  single 
girth  around  a mare  in  foal,  that  in  any  way  re- 
stricted respiration,  digestion  and  circulation,  lest 
the  mare  or  her  offspring  be  injured.  In  the 
physical  life  of  woman  she  is  just  as  amenable  to 
the  laws  of  nature  as  is  the  animal.  If  a man 
were  to  exchange  and  wear  his  wife’s  clothing  for 
one  month  only,  he  would  show  more  interest  that 
the  mother  of  his  child  should  avoid  the  delete- 
rious influence  of  the  fashionable  dress.  The  nat- 
ural and  artistic  lines  of  the  body  must  be  preserved 
to  insure  the  noble  attributes  and  capacities  of 
motherhood. 

Exercise  is  especially  essential  in  pregnancy. 
Those  recommended  in  Tokology  increase  the  ca- 
pacity of  the  pelvis  and  abdomen,  develop  the 
muscles  to  be  used  in  parturition,  aid  digestion,  and 
equalize  circulation.  Many  ladies,  following  faith- 
fully the  directions  for  exercise,  have  been  very  lax 
in  regard  to  diet  and  baths,  and  yet  brought  about 
remarkable  results  in  having  an  easy  delivery. 
Several  instances  have  come  to  my  knowledge  of  la- 
dies taking  elocution  lessons  during  pregnancy,  and 
with  these  lessons  a thorough  course  of  gymnas- 
tics, have  brought  about  a natural  delivery. 


296 


TESTIMONIALS. 


where  labor  previously  had  been  prolonged  and 
severe.  These  were  persons  who  had  no  knowledge 
of  baths  or  fruit  diet. 

The  following  interesting  letter  is  from  an  intel- 
ligent, educated  lady  who  is  selling  Tokology  as 
missionary  work: 

Dear  Dr.  Stockham: — Be  sure  and  tell  the  la- 
dies the  importance  of  exercise  during  pregnancy. 
Many  are  blinded  to  any  measure  save  th q fruit  diet. 

I had  Tokology  only  the  last  six  weeks  of 
pregnancy.  Previous  to  that  time  I had  exercised 
very  little.  As  soon  as  I read  the  work  I began 
the  gymnastics  and  walking  ; took  sitz-batlis  to  re- 
move any  lameness  caused.  I also  went  up  and 
down  stairs  a great  deal,  following  directions  in 
Tokology.  The  last  week  was  spent  in  canvassing 
for  your  valuable  work.  I had  painless  contrac- 
tions of  the  uterus  every  few  moments  during  the 
entire  day.  After  eating  my  supper,  and  refusing  to 
play  croquet,  as  I had  an  engagement , I hastened  to 
my  room  to  prepare  for  the  arrival  of  the  little  stran- 
ger. The  contractions  began  to  cause  some  pain. 
I made  use  of  the  hot  sitz-bath,  and  it  gave  wonder- 
ful relief.  I remained  in  the  bath  a long  time — until 
I became  so  sleepy  it  was  necessary  to  go  to  bed.  I 
had  no  hard  pain.  The  expulsive  efforts  were  not 
as  painful  as  the  first  contractions,  and  those  I had 
were  in  the  abdomen.  Afcer  three  bearing-down 
pains  I got  upon  ray  knees,  then  I lay  down,  and 
the  fourth  pain  brought  the  child  from  the  uterus 
into  the  world,  and  without  any  of  that  tearing  pain 
usually  experienced.  All  was  over  at  10 :30  o’clock. 


TESTIMONIALS. 


297 


This  was  ray  tliird  boy.  With  both  of  the  others 
I was  in  labor  all  night  and  half  of  the  next  day, 
and  took  chloroform,  for  hours,  the  agony  was  so 
unbearable.  Each  time  I was  so  sore  and  weak 
afterward  I could  not  move  myself  in  bed.  This 
time  I could  move  right  away  to  any  part  of  the 
bed,  and  the  next  day  sat  up  to  eat  food  three 
times.  I had  my  nurse  only  four  days,  while  each 
time  before  I could  not  do  without  her  under  three 
weeks.  I was  out  selling  Tokology  in  less  than 
two  weeks,  and  can  assure  you,  dear  Doctor,  I 
never  did  any  work  with  such  a good  will  as  this. 
It  is  taking  a blessed  truth  to  women.  Sincerely 
your  friend,  Mrs.  G.  E.  Brown, 

Wichita,  Kan. 

It  is  probable,  where  a woman  has  had  inflamma- 
tion and  ulceration  of  the  womb  a long  time,  that 
she  will  be  unable  to  bring  about  conditions  to 
insure  a painless  labor.  This  would  be  the  case 
especially  if  caustic  treatment  had  been  resorted 
to,  which  had  resulted  in  induration.  A course  of 
hygienic  treatment,  during  pregnancy,  will  be  val- 
uable, but  to  restore  the  parts  to  their  normal 
functions  may  require  years  of  right  living. 

I mustagain  emphasize  the  need  of  continence  be- 
between  husband  and  wife  during  pregnancy.  A 
lady  physician  in  Iowa  relates  many  interesting 
cases  where  labor  was  rendered  almost  painless 
simply  by  the  continent  life.  Her  theory  is,  that 
the  repeated  contractions  of  the  vaginal  walls  and 
vulva  render  them  unyielding,  and,  consequently, 


29S 


PARENTHOOD  AND  PROGRESS. 


there  is  absolute  mechanical  obstruction  to  the  pas- 
sage of  the  head.  The  theory  is  certainly  worthy 
of  consideration. 

I have  long  been  thoroughly  convinced  that 
sexual  intercourse  during  pregnancy,  is  entirely 
inimical  to  the  best  conditions  for  maternity.  The 
natural  repugnance  that  most  women  have  for  the 
act  during  fetal  growtli  ought  to  cause  right- 
minded  people  serious  thought. 

Col.  A.  B.  Meacham,  who  has  spent  much  time 
among  the  Modocs,  says:  “ There  is  a tradition 

among  them  that  the  Great  Spirit  blew  his  breath 
upon  a maiden,  and  said  to  her  that  she  should  be- 
come the  mother  of  the  son  of  the  Great  Spirit. 
He  forbade  her  to  look  upon  the  face  of  man  until 
the  child  was  born.  To  this  day,  no  Indian  woman 
of  that  tribe  who  is  to  become  a mother,  ever  looks 
upon  the  face  of  man.” 

Is  it  not  possible  that  here  is  one  potent  reason 
that  Indian  women  have  so  little  suffering  in  child- 
birth? IMay  not  the  intelligent  white  man  learn  a 
lesson  of  purity,  of  self-abnegation,  as  well  as  of 
honor  to  his  wife  and  offspring,  from  the  untutored 
savage  ? 

We  are  counseled  by  eminent  physicians,  like 
Acton,  Gerrish,  Cowan,  and  Winslow,  that  the 
continent  life  gives  to  the  individual  the  best  phy- 
sical development,  the  greatest  intellectual  strength, 
the  greatest  moral  excellence,  as  well  as  promotes 
conditions  for  the  improvement  of  the  race. 

Prof.  Huxley  says:  “That  man  has  had  a liberal 
education  who  has  been  so  trained  in  youth  that 


physicians’  opinions. 


299 


his  body  is  the  ready  servant  of  his  will  * * * 

and  who,  no  stunted  ascetic,  is  full  of  life  and  fire, 
hut  whose  passions  are  trained  to  come  to  heel  by 
a vigorous  will,  the  servant  of  a tender  conscience.” 
Dr.  F.  H.  Grerrish  says  : “ Man’s  procreative  en- 
ergy should  be  to  him  a sacred  trust,  to  be  kept 
inviolate,  and  to  be  used  only  with  the  distinct  and 
definite  purpose  of  perpetuating  his  kind.  His 
children  would  never  be  accidents,  but  begotten 
intentionally,  at  a time  when  both  parents  are  in  a 
good  physical  and  mental  condition.” 

Further,  in  opposing  the  prevalent  opinion  that 
continence  is  a cause  of  disease,  he  says  : “I  very 
much  doubt  if  a member  of  this  association  ever 
had  to  treat  a disease  resulting  from  chaste  conti- 
nence. I would  emphasize  the  adjective,  for  noth- 
ing but  harm  can  come  from  the  excitement  de- 
pendent on  the  constant  or  frequent  entertainment 
of  lewd  imaginings,  even  if  one  abstain  altogether 
from  sexual  indulgence.” 

Dr.  N.  E.  Boyd  says:  “Men  need  all  their  vital 
force  not  required  in  fatherhood,  for  the  perform- 
ance of  the  labors,  material,  mental  and  moral, 
whereunto  they  are  called.” 

Dr.  Dio  Lewis  testifies:  “Beyond  doubt,  as  men 
now  live,  continence  is  almost  impossible.  They 
drug  themselves  with  tobacco  and  excite  them- 
selves with  wine.  They  enervate  their  powers 
in  heated  rooms,  and  read  books  which  rouse 
lascivious  desires.  Naturally,  sexual  passion  at- 
tacks them,  and  if  it  be  refused  gratification  they 
become  fevered  and  restless,  and  declare  that  health 


300 


THE  BETTER  WAY. 


demands  frequent  intercourse,  and  suffers  without 
it.  But  it  is  not  a •physical  necessity . Under  cer- 
tain conditions  absolute  continence  is  consistent 
with  the  highest  health  during  the  whole  life-time. 
To  attain  this,  however,  one  must  live  in  perfect 
accordance  with  hygienic  laws;  he  cannot  expect  to 
suppress  one  vice  and  yield  to  another.” 

We  find  the  following  wise  counsels  to  fathers 
in  a pamphlet  entitled  “The  Better  Way,”  by  A. 
E.  Newton: 

“The  matron,  when  once  her  organism  has  en. 
tered  upon  the  work  of  developing  a new  life,  should 
beleft  unmolested  by  intrusion  in  that  department 
of  her  being.  The  work  cannot  be  well  performed — 
it  may  be  wofully  defaced  or  ruined — if  the  ener- 
gies of  her  system  are  drawn  upon  by  additional 
demands  upon  the  sexual  organism.  A t all  events, 
the  intuitions  of  the  mother,  when  against  the 
practice  referred  to,  should  never  be  violated.  To 
abstain  from  all  intrusive  acts  is  a duty  which  no 
father  can  disregard  with  impunity. 

“The  strength  of  the  sexual  appetite  in  men  is 
unquestionably  the  grand  obstacle  to  the  improve- 
ment of  the  race  in  the  manner  proposed.  But  is 
this  strength  in  all  cases  purely  natural  and 
healthy  ? Otherwise,  no  one  can  rationally  urge 
that  its  demands  should  be  indulged  to  their  full 
extent — much  less  that  the  personal  rights,  the 
health  and  happiness  of  the  opposite  sex,  and  the 
welfare  of  unborn  generations,  should  be  sacri- 
ficed to  its  indulgence.  * * * * Experience  has 
proven  that  mastery  can  be  attained.  A deter- 


ACTON  S TESTIMONY. 


301 


mined  will — an  earnest,  constant  aspiration  for 
power  from  above  to  overcome,  with  a careful  ab- 
stinence from  exciting  foods,  drinks,  acts  and 
thoughts,  and  the  use  of  appropriate  means  to  al- 
lay excitement — these,  persisted  in,  will  bring  the 
victory  in  due  time.” 

William  Acton,  M.  K,.  C.  S..  an  English  physi- 
cian eminent  in  his  profession,  says: 

“True  continence  is  complete  control  over  the 
passions,  exercised  by  one  who  has  felt  their 
power,  and  who,  were  it  not  for  his  steady  will, 
not  only  could  but  would  indulge  them.  * * * 
Granted,  that  continence  is  a trial , a sore  trial,  a 
bitter  trial,  if  yon  will,  what,  I would  ask,  is  the 
use  or  object  of  a trial  but  to  try,  to  test,  to  elicit, 
strengthen  and  brace  whatever  of  sterling,  what- 
ever of  valuable,  there  is  in  the  thing  tried  ? To 
yield  at  once,  is  this  the  right  way  to  meet  a trial  ? 
To  lay  down  one’s  arms  at  the  first  threatening  of 
conflict,  is  this  a creditable  escape  from  trial,  to 
say  no  more  ? Kay,  is  it  safe , when  the  trial  is 
imposed  by  the  highest  possible  authority  ? Our 
object  ought  to  be  to  preserve  a pure  and  healthy 
mind  in  a pure  and  healthy  body.  Judiciously 
directed,  training  and  exercise  of  both  toward  this 
definite  object  would,  I am  sure,  in  most  cases,  re- 
duce the  difficulty  of  living  a chaste  life  to  the 
minimum,  and  indeed  render  the  conflict  rather  a 
proud  and  thankful  sense  of  self-command  than  an 
arduous  struggle.  * * * The  man  who  can  com- 
mand even  his  thoughts  will  have  an  easier  task 
in  keeping  himself  continent  than  he  who  cannot. 


302 


MENTAX.  OCCUPATION. 


He  has  great  power  over  his  body,  who,  when 
physical  temptations  assail  him,  can  determinedly 
apply  his  mind  to  other  subjects,  and  employ  the 
whole  force  of  his  will  in  turning  away,  as  it  were, 
from  the  danger.” 

Carpenter,  in  a late  edition  of  his  work,  says 
to  those  who  urge  the  wants  of  nature  as  an  excuse 
for  the  illicit  gratification  of  the  sexual  passion : 

“Try  the  effects  of  close  mental  application  to 
some  ennobling  pursuit,  in  combination  with  vig- 
orous bodily  exercise,  before  you  assert  that  the 
appetite  is  unrestrainable,  and  act  upon  that  asser- 
tion.” 

To  parents  desiring  the  best  interest  of  offspring, 
these  quotations  from  men  of  known  scientific  and 
professional  reputation  are  worthy  of  careful 
thought.  Lives  based  upon  these  truths  will  make 
motherhood  desired  and  offspring  a blessing. 

In  following  instructions  in  Tokology , to  secure 
the  best  possible  conditions  for  maternity,  a lady 
should  never  lose  sight  of  the  value  of  congenial, 
absorbing  occupation.  There  should  be  no  leisure 
to  foster  morbid  symptoms.  Having  neither  finan- 
cial need  nor  desire  for  following  a special  voca- 
tion, the  systematic  pursuit  of  some  study,  as  ge- 
ology,  natural  history  or  botany,  will  give  occupa- 
tion and  make  conditions  for  satisfactory  pre-natal 
culture. 

Who  knows  but  by  throwing  her  whole  soul  into 
the  research,  and  thus  being  carried  out  of  herself 
by  these  ennobling  pursuits,  she  may  become  the 
mother  of  a Humboldt,  an  Agassiz,  or  an  Audobon? 


A CHEEKING  LETTER. 


303 


A letter  lies  before  me  from  a lady  who  had 
long  been  a sufferer  from  chronic  diseases.  By 
following  the  instructions  of  Tokology  since  her 
marriage  and  for  some  months  previous  to  preg- 
nancy, shehas  overcome  most  of  her  troubles.  She 
writes:  “I  have  good  news  for  you.  Two  months 
from  now  I expect  to  become  a mother.  The  past 
six  months  life  has  been  a constant  joy.  I never 
have  had  such  good  health,  consequently  such  good 
spirits  and  enjoyment  in  my  work.  I am  now 
spending  four  or  five  hours  a day  in  study — Ger- 
man and  music,  and  at  his  earnest  request,  Latin, 
with  my  husband. 

“ I do  my  own  housework,  and  with  my  sewing, 
social  demands  and  daily  walks,  am  busy  every 
moment,  yet,  strange  to  say  I never  seemed  to 
have  as  much  leisure  as  now.  We  live  simply  and, 
I believe,  sensibly,  and  I try  to  do  the  things  that 
are  best  physically  and  mentally  for  me  as  a mother 
and  for  the  little  one  who  is  now  part  of  my  life.” 

This  ladv  finds  absorbing  interest  in  training 
classes  of  young  girls  for  a noble  womanhood  and 
motherhood. 

So  many  objects  of  philanthropic  interest  now 
appeal  to  every  woman  that  there  is  abundant  op- 
portunity to  reach  out  beyond  self.  In  every  di- 
rection the  needs  of  humanity  demand  of  all  who 
have  hitherto  been  idlers  that  they  make  trial  of 
the  blessedness  of  unselfish  endeavor.  By  respond- 
ing bravely  to  these  appeals  iu  the  days  of  pros- 
pective maternity,  the  mother  will  find  both  pres- 
ent and  future  reward. 


304 


SELF-HEALING. 


In  pregnancy,  as  in  chronic  diseases,  symptoms 
are  often  attributed  to  imagination.  It  has  been 
proven  that  the  imagination  or  belief  can  create, 
not  only  symptoms,  but  actual  disease.  Physi- 
cians recognize  this  fact,  but  are  slow  to  acknowl- 
edge the  correlative  one,  that  this  same  imagina- 
tion or  belief  is  of  untold  therapeutic  value  in 
medical  practice. 

For  self-healing,  one  can  learn  to  abstract  his 
thoughts  from  suffering  or  from  the  organ  affected, 
so  as  not  to  sense  the  pain.  This  is  somewhat  dif- 
ferent from  opposing  the  will  power,  as  is  usually 
understood;  indeed,  it  is  rather  the  opposite.  By  an 
introversion  of  thought,  a passive  condition  is  se- 
cured and  maintained.  Evans  styles  this  an  ‘•'‘im- 
pressible conscious  state.” 

Understanding  the  conditions,  this  state  can  be 
attained  by  any  one,  and  while  in  it  pain  and  dis- 
ease, real  only  in  thought , can  be  removed.  In 
this  way  one  thinks  himself  out  of  morbid  condi- 
tions. 

Dr.  Evans  says  : “As  thought  and  existence  are 
identical,  a change  of  thought  must  necessarily 
modify  our  existence.  To  think  a change  in  our 
bodily  condition,  and  not  merely  to  think  about  it, 
will  determine  all  the  living  forces  toward  that 
result,  as  certainly  as  a stream  issuing  from  a foun- 
tain will  flow  in  another  direction  when  we  change 
the  direction  of  its  channel.” 

One  then,  really  is  only  to  think  the  opposite  of 
what  he  is,  steadily  and  persistently,  to  effect  the 
change. 


EFFECTS  OF  IMAGINATION. 


305 


A story  is  told  of  four  students  who  had  heard  a 
professor  assert  that  sickness  could  be  induced  by 
working  upon  the  imagination  or  belief.  In  sup- 
port of  this  statement  he  related  a case  of  a dose  of 
flour,  supposed  to  be  ipecac,  producing  the  ordi- 
nary results  of  that  drug. 

In  one  of  their  rambles  these  young  men  saw  a 
teamster  on  his  way  to  procure  lumber  at  a place 
some  miles  distant.  They  resolved  to  experiment 
upon  him.  Awaiting  his  return,  they  stationed 
themselves  at  considerable  distances  and  accosted 
him  in  friendly  manner.  Each  of  them,  however, 
added  to  his  cordial  greeting  words  of  regret  and 
dismay  at  seeing  him  look  so  ill. 

To  the  first  he  stoutly  denied  any  indisposition, 
but  to  the  second  admitted  slight  indigestion  ; the 
third  found  him  looking  miserable  and  suffering 
from  colic.  He  was  persuaded  to  stop  walking  be- 
side his  team  and  ride  on  his  load.  The  fourth 
easily  induced  him  to  resign  the  reins,  while  the 
teamster,  really  ill  at  last,  rode  home  reclining  upon 
his  load.  He  was  unable  for  the  rest  of  the  day  to 
leave  his  home. 

A curious  experiment  was  tried  by  noted  sur- 
geons upon  a criminal  condemned  to  death.  He 
was  made  to  believe  that  he  was  to  be  bled  to  death. 
Stretched  upon  a table,  bound  and  blindfolded,  he 
awaited  the  operation.  The  surgeon  with  a sharp 
instrument  pricked  his  flesh  to  simulate  the  open- 
ing of  an  artery.  At  once  a small  fountain,  from 
which  water  at  blood-heat  flowed,  was  opened 
over  the  supposed  incision.  The  water  flowing 


306 


MIND-CUBE  A BEAL  ITT. 


freely  at  first,  gradually  became  less  and  less 
copious. 

The  surgeons  and  attendants  spoke  among  them- 
selves of  his  failing  powers,  of  his  pallor,  of  his  loss 
of  heat  and  pulse-beats.  They  questioned  him 
meanwhile  as  to  these  symptoms,  which  question 
ing  he  answered  in  full  faith  that  his  life-blood  was 
indeed  passing  from  him.  He  grew  fainter  and 
more  faint,  gasped  for  breath,  and  finally  expired. 

If  a well  person  can  be  made  to  believe  he  is  ill, 
yes,  and  really  to  die  of  his  affection,  as  is  often  no- 
ticed in  an  epidemic,  may  not  a sick  person  be  led 
to  believe  he  is  well  ? Sometimes  a silent  sugges- 
tion of  friend  or  physician  to  this  end  is  more  potent 
than  the  spoken  word. 

In  the  former  case  the  thought  of  the  patient  un- 
consciously seconds  the  thought  of  the  friend, 
while  in  the  latter,  argument  and  discussion  rouse 
an  opposing  force. 

A pregnant  woman,  by  ignoring  her  ailments, 
by  abstracting  from  them  her  thoughts,  by  occupy- 
ing her  mind  entirely,  can  bring  about  wonderful 
results  in  overcoming  undesired  conditions. 

In  following  the  teachings  of  Tokology  care  must 
be  taken  that  the  mind  is  not  directed  to  watching 
for  and  fostering  morbid  symptoms. 

The  mind,  the  real  self , controls  all  the  func- 
tions pertaining  to  life,  and  its  supremacy  can  be 
directed  toward  removing  morbid  tendencies.  This 
is  merely  what  is  usually  termed  “getting  above 
one’s  self,”  or  “putting  sorrow,  grief  and  pain 
under  one’s  feet.”  It  is  simply  the  conquest  of 


MIND-CUKE  A KEALITV. 


307 


self  and  sin,  as  taught  in  different  ways  in  religion 
and  philosophy. 

Learn  to  subordinate  the  body.  Encourage  all 
indications  of  health.  By  a calm  trust  and  a rest- 
ful faith  in  the  Divine,  whom  every  human  being 
in  his  real  self  may  approach,  sins  of  the  body 
(disease)  as  well  as  sins  of  the  soul  may  be  de- 
throned, and  health  and  happiness  reign  supreme. 

For  the  sake  of  human  progress,  may  every  pa- 
rent lose  sight  of  selfish  interest  and  strive  to  the  ut- 
most for  all  conditions  that  shall  favor  the  highest 
good  of  offspring,  “ for  to  be  well-born  is  the  right 
of  every  child.” 

A.  B.  Stockham,  M.  D. 

Chicago,  111. 


Explanation  of  Plates. 


I.  Bones  of  the  pelvis,  consisting  of  the  two 
ossa  innominata  and  the  sacrum  and  coccyx.  The 
two  latter  are  a continuation  of  the  vertebrae.  These 
four  bones  form  a strong  protecting  wall  for  the 
pelvic  viscera. 

II.  IJterus;  ovaries  in  the  broad  ligaments; 
oviducts  and  fimbriated  extremities ; round  liga- 
ments ; vagina  laid  open  showing  the  mouth  of  the 
womb  and  the  folds  in  the  mucous  membrane. 

III.  Section  of  female  pelvis.  1,  rectum ; 2, 
uterus ; 5,  bladder ; 6,  clitoris ; 7,  urethra ; 9,  anus ; 

10,  vagina.  (See  page  10.) 

IY.  Yeins  supplying  uterus  and  ovaries.  1, 
uterus  seen  from  the  front ; the  right  half  is  covered 
with  the  peritoneum.  6,  7,  utero-ovarian  vessels; 
8,  8,  veins  from  the  oviducts ; 10,  uterine  veins; 

11,  uterine  artery. 

Y.  Arterial  vessels  of  uterus  ten  days  after  de- 
livery. 1,  body  of  uterus ; 2,  mouth  of  uterus ; 
3,3,  round  ligaments;  4,4,  oviducts;  5,  right 
ovary ; 6,  7,  8,  9, 10, 11,  arteries  giving  off  branches 
to  the  uterus. 

YI.  Ovary  and  oviduct ; O,  ovary;  Od.,  oviduct; 
Oa.,  fimbriated  extremity  of  the  oviduct. 

YII.  ISTerves  of  the  uterus.  1,  sacrum ; 2,  rec- 
tum; 3,  bladder;  4,  uterus;  5,  ovary;  6,  extrem- 
ity of  oviduct ; A.  B.,  each,  a plexus  of  nerves. 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATES. 


3uy 


VIII.  Fetal  surface  of  the  placenta. 

IX.  Uterine  surface  cf  the  placenta. 

X.  Fetal  circulation.  (See  page  14.) 

XI.  Mammary  gland;  a,  nipple  ; b,  areola  ; c.c.c., 
lobules;  1,  sinus,  or  milk  ducts;  2,  extremities  of 
milk  ducts. 

XII.  G-rafian  follicle,  containing  the  ovum.  1, 
ovum ; 2,  3,  membranes  of  the  follicle ; 4,  its 
vessels. 

XIII.  Human  embryo  at  third  week,  showing 
the  villi  of  the  chorion  from  which  the  fetus  re- 
ceives nourishment  until  about  the  end  of  second 
month.  (See  page  13.) 

XIV.  Fetus  and  surroundings  at  seventh  month. 
Is  not  always  found  in  same  position. 

XV.  Fetus  in  membranes  at  five  months. 

XVI.  First  head  presentation. 

XVII.  First  breech  presentation. 

XVIII.  Face  presentation. 

XIX.  Shoulder  presentation,  in  which  turning 
is  necessary  to  effect  delivery. 

XX.  Presentation  of  head,  hand,  foot  and  cord. 
Also  requires  turning,  but  is  of  rare  occurrence. 

XXI.  Placenta  presenting. 

XXII.  Expanding  os-uteri  and  protrusion  of 
membranes,  or  “ bag  of  waters  ” in  first  stage  of 
labor. 

XXIII.  Twins  in  utero. 

XXIV.  Section  of  a frozen  body  in  the  first 
stage  of  labor.  The  neck  of  the  womb  is  dilated, 
the  bag  of  waters  protruding  and  the  head  is  in  the 
pelvic  cavity. 


GLOSSARY, 


Abnormal. — Unhealthy,  unnatural. 

Accoucheur. — Surgeon  in  childbirth. 

Adipose. — Fatty. 

Amenorrhcea. — Suppression  of  menses. 

Amaurosis. — Paralysis  of  optic  nerve. 

Antiperiodic. — A remedy  that  prevents  the  return  of  periodle 
diseases. 

Antip hlogistic . — Coun teractin g inflam mation . 

Antiseptic. — Preventing  putrefaction. 

Anteversion. — Bending  forward. 

Anus. — Circular  opening  or  outlet  of  the  bowels. 

Anemia. — An  impoverished  state  of  blood.  Bloodless. 
Aperient. — Laxative.  Mild  cathartic. 

Aphtha. — Thrush.  Infant  sore  mouth. 

Axilla. — Arm  pit. 

Bacteria. — Infusoria.  Microscropical  insects. 

Capillaries. — Hair-like  vessels  for  conveying  the  blood  from 
the  arteries  to  the  veins. 

Cathartic. — A drug  that  increases  the  action  of  the  bowels. 
Cellular. — Composed  of  cells. 

Cellulitis. — Inflammation  of  the  cellular  tissues. 

Cervix. — Neck. 

Cervix  Uteri. — Neck  of  the  womb. 

Cohosh. — Black  snake  root.  Squaw  root. 

Congestion. — Over- fullness  of  blood  vessels. 

Coccyx. — Terminal  bone  of  the  spine. 

Cystitis. — Inflammation  of  the  bladder. 

Depurition. — Removal  of  impurities. 

Diagnosis. — Scientific  determination  of  diseases. 
Diaphragm. — Breathing  muscles  between  chest  and  abdo- 
men. 

Diaphoretic . — A remedy  that  produces  perspiration. 

Diluent. — A substance  that  dilutes  or  thins  liquid. 

(310) 


GLOSS  ABY. 


311 


Diphtheria. — A membranous  disease  of  the  throat. 
Diphtheritic. — Pertaining  to  diphtheria. 

Eclat. — Brilliant  reputation. 

Emmenagogue. — Remedy  that  promotes  the  menstrual  die- 
charge. 

Enciente. — Pregnant. 

Enema. — Injection. 

Enteritis. — Inflammation  of  the  intestines . 

Ergot. — Smut  of  rye.  A fungus  growth  found  on  rye  that 
is  poisonous. 

Etiology. — The  science  of  the  cause  of  diseases. 

Feces. — Discharge  from  the  bowels. 

Fomentation. — Moist  warm  application. 

Flatulence. — Gases  in  the  stomach  or  bowels  from  fermenta- 
tion of  food. 

Fundus. — Body. 

Function. — The  office  or  duty  of  an  organ. 

Foramen  Ovale ■ — Opening  between  the  auricles  of  the  fetal 
heart. 

Fetal. — Pertaining  to  fetus  or  child  in  the  womb. 

Fetus. — Child  in  the  womb. 

Gastritis. — Inflammation  of  the  stomach. 

Gestation. — Growth  of  the  child  in  the  womb. 

Gravid. — From  gravis,  heavy.  A term  applied  to  the  uterus 
during  gestation. 

Gynecology. — The  science  which  treats  of  the  female  con- 
stitution. 

Gustatory. — Pertaining  to  taste. 

Hemorrhoids. — Piles.  Tumors  in  and  about  the  anus. 
Hypercemia. — More  than  a natural  amount  of  blood  in  the 
capillaries. 

Hydrastus. — Golden  seal. 

Hygiene. — The  art  of  preserving  health. 

Infusoria. — Microscopical  insect*. 

Integument. — Skin. 

Insomnia. — Sleeplessness. 

Introversion. — Turned  within. 

Laxative. — Remedy  increasing  action  of  the  bowels. 

Liquor  amnii. — Secretion  in  which  the  fetus  floats. 


312 


GLOSSARY. 


Massage. — Manipulation  of  surface  and  muscles.  ' 
Mammary. — Pertaining  to  the  breast. 

Malaise. — Feeling  of  fatigue.  Indisposition. 

Meconium. — First  feces  of  infant. 

Menopause. — Turn  of  life. 

Menorrhagia. — Profuse  menstruation. 

Metrorrhagia. — Hemorrhage  of  the  womb. 

Metritis. — Inflammation  of  the  womb. 

Multipara. — Having  had  several  children. 

Os. — Mouth.  Used  as  mouth  of  womb. 

Osseous. — Bony. 

Osmosis. — Transudation  of  fluids  through  membrane. 
Obstetrics. — Midwifery. 

Ovum. — An  egg. 

Ova — Plural  of  egg. 

Ovary. — Almond-shaped  body  in  which  the  ova  are  devel- 
oped. 

Parietes. — Walls  of  a cavity. 

Parturition. — Childbirth. 

Pathological. — Morbid  changes. 

Peritonitis. — Inflammation  of  lining  membrane  of  bowels. 
Pelvic. — Pertaining  to  the  lower  part  of  abdomen  or  pelvis. 
Perineum. — The  floor  of  the  pelvis  or  space  between  the 
anus  and  vulva. 

Placenta  previa. — Placenta  presenting  in  childbirth. 
Podophillurn. — Mandrake. 

Post  Partum. — After  delivery. 

Primipara. — Mother  of  the  first-born. 

Phytolacca. — Pokeroot. 

Prognosis. — Prediction  of  the  termination  of  a disease. 
Puerperal. — Relating  to  childbirth. 

Prolification. — Act  of  bearing  offspring. 

Pubes. — External  part  of  the  organs  of  generation  which  la 
covered  with  hair. 

Pubic. — Pertaining  to  the  pubea. 

Placenta. — The  after-birth. 

Prolapsus. — Falling. 

Pyaemia. — Blood  poisoning. 

Rectum. — Lower  portion  of  intestines. 


GLOSSARY. 


313 


Retroverted. — Bent  backward. 

Sacral. — Pertaining  to  the  sacrum,  the  large  triangular  bone 
near  the  end  of  the  spinal  column. 

Sanguineous. — Bloody. 

Sanguinaria. — Blood  root. 

Sanious. — Secretion  tinged  with  blood. 

Saline. — Consisting  of  salt. 

Sanative. — Health  producing. 

Semen. — Secretion  of  the  testes. 

Septic. — A substance  that  promotes  putrefaction. 

Solution  of  Continuity . — Separation  of  parts. 

Septicaemia. — Poisoned  by  putrid  substances. 

Stroma. — Connective  tissue. 

Strumous. — Scrofulous. 

Siesta. — Rest. 

Styptic. — An  astringent.  A substance  that  arrests  hemor- 
rhage. 

Tampon. — A plug  to  arrest  hemorrhage. 

Tissue. — The  peculiar  structure  of  a part. 

Therapeutic. — The  treatment  of  disease,  curative. 

Tokology. — Science  of  midwifery.  From  Greek  Tokos, 
childbirth. 

Toxocological. — Pertaining  to  poisons. 

Tympanitic. — Distention  of  abdomen.  Drum-like. 

Urinary. — Pertaining  to  the  urine. 

Uterus. — Womb.  The  organ  in  which  the  fetus  is  devel- 
oped. 

Urachus. — A ligament  that  sustains  the  bladder. 

Umbilicus. — The  navel.  The  place  in  the  abdomen  from 
which  the  cord  is  removed. 

Vagina. — Passage  leading  to  the  womb. 

Viscera. — Organs  within  cavities  of  the  body. 

Villi. — Minute  papillary  elevations  for  absorption. 

Vulva. — Outer  lips  of  the  vagina. 

Vemix  Caseoea. — White  unctions  material  found  on  a new- 
born babe. 

Zymotic. — Caused  by  fermentation.  A symotic  disease  is 
one  caused  by  bacteria  or  some  morbific  principle,  acting  on  the 
system  like  a ferment. 


INDEX 


Abortion 225 

After-pains 184 

Analysis  of  food 123 

“ “ milk 200 

Aperient  drugs 211 

Appetite,  control  of 67 

“ greedy 66 

“ loss  of 66 

Apples,  baked 263 

“ snow 263 

“ pie  cake 260 

Artificial  human  milk 199 

Baking  powder 42 

Baked  pears 263 

“ pieplant 263 

Bathing  in  pregnancy 96 

Bath,  Turkish 103 

“ Thermal 105 

“ sponge 97 

“ sitz 98 

“ “ hot 172 

Beef  tea  stimulant 236 

Beef  tea 236 

Biscuit,  best  graham 247 

“ light  “ 248 

Biliousness 31 

Blanc  mange,  farina 257 

“ “ fruit 258 

Blue  baby 15 

Bread 245 

“ Boston  brown 249 

“ delicious  com 248 

“ graham  yeast 250 

(314) 


INDEX. 


315 


Bread,  yeast,  white  flour 250 

“ very  best  com 248 

Breakfast  patties 252 

Breathing,  waist 128 

“ instructions  for 129 

Browned  rice 241 

Broth,  chicken 241 

Buttermilk 240 

Buttermilk  pop 240 

Cake,  apple  pie 260 

“ Coraline 262 

“ graham 261 

“ oatmeal 249 

“ eureka  sponge 261 

“ strawberry  short 261 

Cakes,  buckwheat  griddle 251 

“ com  griddle 251 

“ from  shorts,  griddle 251 

“ rice  griddle 251 

Cathartic  drugs 43 

Cause  of  mortality 198 

Cereals 244 

Chastity  in  marriage 137 

Childbirth,  painless 1-10 

Coffee,  wheat 237 

Childbed  fever 186 

Cohosh 175 

Colic 207 

Climbing  hills 135 

Climbing  stairs 134 

Common  sense  shoes 85 

Compress,  cold 102 

Conception 12 

Constipation 37 

“ causes  of 89 

“ effects 38 

“ exercise  in 53 

“ exercises  for 54 

“ of  infants 210 

“ treatment  of. . . 44 


316 


I2TD8X. 


Continence,  theory  of 145 

“ in  pregnancy 147 

Convulsions 223 

Corsets 90 

Cramps 70 

Cracked  wheat 244-49 

Crackers,  graham 249 

Croup,  spasmodic 217 

“ membranous 219 

Dessert,  strawberry 259 

Diarrhoea  of  infants 212 

Diseases  cured  by  thermal  bath 109 

Diet  in  pregnancy Ill 

Dietetics 234 

Digestion 38 

Diphtheria 221 

“ remedies  in 222 

Dress,  physiological 84 

“ errors  in 43 

“ in  pregnancy 89 

“ and  freedom 88 

“ and  digestion 43 

Drinks  for  the  sick 2:34 

Dyspepsia 34 

Education  of  respiratory  muscles 127 

Eggs  as  food 253 

“ boiled 255 

“ omelet 256 

“ poached 255 

“ “ in  milk 255 

“ scrambled 256 

“ steamed 256 

Enema,  warm  or  hot 34 

Embryo,  development  of 13 

Entire  wheat  flour 47 

Ergot 175 

“ cause  of  childbed  fever 1S6 

Exercise  in  constipation 54 

“ “ pregnancy 125-132 


INDEX. 


817 


Excoriation* 205 

Experience,  extraordinary 121 

“ Mrs.  Rowbotham 113 

*'  touching 142 

“ every-day 79 

Fashion  in  deformity 93 

Fetal  circulation 15 

“ heartbeat 24 

Feticide 228 

Fetus,  development  of 19 

“ position  of 21 

Flour,  fine 41 

“ of  entire  wheat 48 

Flatulence 64 

Fomentation,  hot 99 

Food,  analysis  of 123 

“ constipating 52 

“ dietetic 234 

“ laxative 52 

Fruit  diet  for  pregnancy 112 

“ sauce 262 

“ feast  on 50 

Gardening,  light 126 

Gems,  brown 247 

“ graham 246 

“ oatmeal  and  graham 247 

“ white  flour 247 

Gelatine,  lemon 242 

Gravy  for  children. 264 

Greedy  appetite 66 

Gruel,  bran 238 

“ com  meal 238 

“ oatmeal 238 

" graham 238,  180 

Headache 60 

“ nervous 60 

“ sick 60 

“ and  tea-drinking 62 

Heart-bum 63 


318 


INDEX. 


Health  restored 

Hemorrhage 

“ hot  applications  for 

Hemorrhoids 

Hot  bread 

Hot  fomentations 

Hot  water  bottle 

Impregnation 

Indigestion 

Infants 

Infant  artificial  food 

“ bathing 

“ clothing 

“ feeding 

“ nursing 

“ diseases 

Insomnia 

Instruments 

Jelly,  bran 

“ lemon 

“ sago  

“ “ currant 

Labor  

“ ergot  in 

“ difficult 

“ instrumental 

'*  natural 

“ cohosh  in 

Lemonade 


“ flaxseed 

“ hot 

Lesson  for  husbands 

Leucorrhea 

Lime  and  charcoal 

Lochia  

Longevity  and  lung  power 

Longings 

Lung  power 

18 


.144 

185 

.186 

65 

, 42 

99 

.101 

, 12 

. 28 

.192 

,198 

.192 

.194 

202 

.196 

,205 

. 72 

.176 

,243 

.242 

.242 

.242 

.162 

.175 

.171 

.176 

.163 

.175 

.234 

.235 

.236 

.234 

.143 

. 72 

.156 

.184 

. 54 

. 67 

. 54 


INDEX. 


319 


Loss  of  appetite 

Lucrative  work 

Magnetism 

Meddlesome  midwifery . . . 

Mammary  abscess 

Maternity  undisturbed . . . 

Membranes,  fetal 

Menstruation,  cessation  .. 

Metrorrhagia 

Milk,  analysis  of 

“ baked 

“ excess  of 

“ hot 

“ insufficient 

“ mother’s 

“ porridge 

“ sago  

“ for  nursing  mothers 
“ artificial  human. . . . 

Military  position 

Morning  sickness 

Mothers  overtaxed 

Muffins,  graham 

“ rice 

Mush,  graham 

“ Indian  meal 

“ oatmeal 

Nausea 

Navel,  dressing  of. ....... 

Neuralgia 

“ treatment 

Nutrina 

Obstetric  harness 

Ounce  of  prevention . . . . , 

Opiates 

Ovaries 

Oviducts 

Oysters,  broiled 

“ raw 

“ stewed 


....  68 
....  81 
....  69 
....165 
....181 
....146 
....  16 
....  23 
....185 
....200 
....239 
....184 
....239 
....182 
....200 
....238 
....235 
....182 
....199 
....130 

30 

....  77 
....246 
....251 
....245 
....245 
....244 
....  29 
....193 
....  68 
....  70 
243,  65 
....165 
....  98 
....208 
....  10 
....  10 
....256 
....256 
....258 


320 


INDEX. 


Pathological  symptoms 27,  26 

Pregnancy 22 

“ duration  of 17 

“ signs  of 22 

“ hygiene  of 75 

Pains  in  the  side 71 

Painless  childbirth 1 

Parturition 162 

“ without  pain 1-10 

Pears,  baked 263 

Peaches  a la  strawberry 262 

Pie  for  dyspeptics 259 

Pies 259 

Placenta 14 

“ adhered 168 

Popular  theories 139 

Pouching  navel 193 

Porridge,  milk 238 

Post  partum  treatment 178 

Practical  hints 148 

Prophecy  for  the  future 83 

Pruritus 73 

Puerperal  fever 186 

“ peritonitis 186 

“ septicaemia 189 

“ treatment  of 190 

Pudding,  apple  tapioca 257 

“ com  mush 258 

“ cracked  wheat 257 

“ graham  gem 257 

“ Indian  fruit 258 

“ “ meal 258 

“ orange 258 

“ plum 259 

“ rice 257 

Quickening 23 

Rest 157 

Rigidity  of  integument 72 

Rice  boiled ..245 


OTDEZ. 


321 


Rice  browned 

“ cream 

Rights  of  children 

Rolls,  hot  water 

Rubber  nipples 

Sauce,  fruit 

Septicaemia 

Salt  rheum 

Siesta,  daily 

Sitz-bath 

“ “ hot 

Sleeplessness 

Society  demands 

Social  evil 

Soup,  farina 

‘ ‘ macaroni 

“ tomato 

Stairs  climbing 

Stanton  E.  C.,  testimony  of. 

Strawberry  dessert 

Strawberry  pie 

Swelling  of  limbs 

Tea,  beef 

“ corn 

“ oat  meal 

“ and  sick  headache. . . . 
Testimony,  interesting.... 

Tight  lacing 

Toast,  asparagus  on 

“ codfish 

“ eggs  on 

“ gem 

“ milk 

“ rhubarb 

“ tomato 

“ white  bread 

“ oyster 

Umbilical  cord 

“ treatment  of, 


.241 

.241 

138 

247 

201 

,262 

189 

108 

157 

99 

.172 

72 

.78 

140 

241 

241 

241 

.133 

,160 

259 

.260 

71 

.238 

.237 

,235 

. 61 

.118 

. 94 

.253 

.252 

.253 

.252 

.252 

.253 

.253 

.253 

.252 

. 16 

.163 


322 


IKDKX. 


Union  under-garments 87 

“ “ patterns  of 88 

Unwelcome  children 233 

Uterus 10 

Uterine  ligaments 11 

Vagina 11 

Ventilation 150 

“ 'jn  bedrooms 151 

Wafer’s,  gTaham 249 

Warm  air  in  sleeping  room 1.54 

Waters,  gum  arabic 235 

“ jelly 235 

“ tamarind 236 

“ toast 235 

Walking  for  women 126 

Wheat,  cracked 244 

Whey,  orange 234 

“ rennet 234 

“ wine 234 


Index  to  Appendix. 


Change  of  Life 267 

Control  of  Sex 280 

Limiting  Offspring 281 

Menstruation 270 

Testimonials 283-286 


BOOK  FOE  EVERY  WOMANS. 

BY  ALICE  B.  STOCKHAM,  M.  D. 

35,000  COPIES  SOL©  IN  TWO  YUARS, 


Tokology  teaches  possible  painless  pregnancy  and  parturition,  giving  complete 
plain  directions  for  the  care  of  a woman  before  and  after  confinement.  The  author 
demonstrates  that  the  ailments  of  pregnancy  can  be  prevented  as  well  as  the  pains  and 
dangers  of  child-birth  avoided  ; that  women  need  not  go  down  to  death  giving  birth  to 
children.  This  is  a 

BOON  TO  EYJEI&Y  WOMAN, 

and  the  knowledge  should  be  in  possession  of  every  living  person. 

Tokology  also  gives  the  cause,  prevention  and  treatment  of  Dyspepsia,  Constipa- 
tion, Headache,  Billiousness,  etc.  Physicians  say  that  the  chapter  upon  Constipation  is 
the  best  treatise  ever  written  upon  the  subject,  and  alone  is  worth  the  price  of  the  book. 

Change  of  Life  is  handled  in  a plain  common-sense  style.  For  the  first  time  di- 
rections are  given  to  overcome  the  prevailing  fear  regarding  this  period. 

Limitation  of  offspring  is  discussed  ably  and  delicately. 

This  work  is  the  favorite,  private  medical  guide,  which  is  proven  by  the  rapid  sales 
and  the  following 

^TESTIMOHIALS.!^- 

This  is  a noble  book,  written  for  a noble  purpose,  and  we  have  no  hesitation  in  asser- 
ting that  it  ought  to  be  in  possession  of  every  wife  and  mother.— Helen  E.  Stabret. 

Maternity  is  its  theme,  and  never  has  it  been  more  delicately  and  reverently  han- 
dled. An  ideal  motherhood  seems  portrayed  in  its  pages,  and  yet  with  the  comfortable 
persuasion  that  the  ideal  is  possible.— Union  Signal. 

I find  more  needed  information  compressed  into  its  pages  than  I have  ever  before 
met  in  one  book.  The  simplicity  of  the  style,  and  the  absence  of  technical  terms,  makes 
it  of  value  to  the  masses.— Mary  A.  Livermore. 

Dr.  Stockham  took  off  her  gloves  when  she  took  up  her  pen,  but  her  pen  has  written 
cleanly.  Words  are  not  minced,  but  the  blushes  of  the  most  delicate  are  spared,  The 
book  is  brimfull  of  what  every  woman  should  know  and  i very  man  as  well.— South  and 
West. 

Tokology  deais  upon  the  science  of  reproduction  in  a clear  and  forcible  manner. 
Women  will  obtain  use  ul  and  essential  knowledge  by  perusingthis  mos  valuable  work, 
—Dietetic  Reformer,  London,  England. 

Tokology  is  the  work  of  a woman,  who  is  an  honored  physician  and  the  mother  of 
grown  children,  one  of  whom,  a daughter,  she  dedicates  the  volume.  A woman 
from  personal  experience  can  teach  women  as  no  man  can.  We  endorse  this  volume, 
knowing  the  manifold  miseries  of  women  must  be  prevented  by  its  teachings.— Burling- 
ton. Hawkey  e. 

Every  married  woman  ought  to  possess  and  read  daily.  Dr.  A.  B.  Stockliam’s  book, 
Tokology.  Have  known  Dr.  Stockham  for  years,  personally,  as  an  unusually  successful 
practitioner,— C.  Feed.  Kuechlf.r,  M.  D. 

This  work  embodies  the  teachings  of  Dr.  Stockliam’s  medical  Conversations,  and 
thirty  years  professional  experience,  and  will  prove  invaluable  to  the  possessor,— The 
Sentinel,  Chicago. 

VERY  BEST  TERRIS  TO  AOEi^TS. 


TOKOLOGY. 

PHYSICIANS’  TESTIMONIALS. 

I consider  Tokology  the  very  best  book  that  can  bo  put  into  the  hands  of  a girl  or 
young  wife.— E.  M.  Hale,  M,  D.,  Chicago,  111. 

Tokology  by  Alice  B.  Stockham  is  one  of  the  few  works  of  the  kind  worth  buying. 
Every  lady  should  possess  it.— A.  Wood  Jenkins,  M.  D.,  Reed  City,  Mich. 

I have  examined  with  care  the  really  grand  work,  Tokology  and  have  no  hesitation 
in  saying  it  is  among  the  best  in  existence.  For  conciseness,  brevity  and  clearness  of 
statement,  it  is  simply  unrivalled.— J.  B.  Hettinger,  M.  D.,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Tokology  commends  itself  to  every  thinking  person.  An  excellent  work  teaching 
truths  of  vital  importance  to  all  classes.  The  book  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  man  and 
woman. — C.  I.  Thatcher,  M.  D.,  Chicago,  HL 

I have  examined  Tokology  and  believe  it  to  be  just  what  it  purports  to  be  a 600 'j 
for  every  woman.  Every  woman  would  be  greatly  benefited  to  study  it. — M.  S.  Rogers, 
M.  D.,  Galveston,  Tex. 

Tokology  ought  to  be  read  by  every  mother  and  maturing  girl — as  well  as  by  all  the 
rest  of  thinking  people.,— C.  E.  Page,  M D.,  author  of  Consumption  and  how  to  feed 
the  baby.— New  York. 

The  work  is  worthy  the  warm  reception  and  large  sales  the  people  have  given  it. — C .E. 
Holman,  M.  D.,  Chicago,  111. 

The  author  has  got  into  361  pages  of  this  volume  the  quintescence  of  social  science. 
The  work  contains  no  sentimentality  but  abounds  in  plain,  pointed,  stern  facts.  No  woman 
can  enter  the  marriage  relation  and  enjoy  the  acme  of  happiness  which  that  relation  affords 
without  the  knowledge  of  this  book.  If  you  want  to  play  your  part  in  the  economy  of  na- 
ture read  Tokology,  study  it,  practice  it,  live  it.  The  world  will  be  bettered  by  your 
presence,  and  the  children  bom  to  you  will  mark  an  era  in  the  worlds  history.— W.  H. 
Hale,  M.  D.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

My  dear  Hr.  Stockham.— I have  just  finished  reading  your  valuable  book.  You  have 
done  a work  most  needed.  If  humanity  is  to  live  at  all,  a new  departure  must  be  made. 
You  have  plainly  and  consciensciously  done  your  work  to  remove  the  Durden  of  sin  and 
suffering  from  woman.— Mary  S.  G.  Nichols,  M.  D.,  London,  Eng. 

I most  heartily  recommend  Tokology  to  every  man  and  woman.  The  home  is  not 
complete  without  it.— Dr.  James  A.  Bliss,  Boston,  Mass. 

I congratulate  you  upon  the  success  your  book  must  have,  it  is  so  worthy.  How 
attractive  you  have  made  this  book  to  every  woman,  and  how  adapted  to  her  needs. — 
Caroline  B.  Winslow,  M.  D. 

I am  glad  you  have  written  Tokology.  It  must  do  an  immense  amount  of  good.  The 
chapter  on  dress  is  alone  worth  the  price  of  the  book.  I hope  it  will  have  a large  sale  as  it 
well  deserves  and  is  so  much  needed.— Harriet  Judd  Sabtain,  M.  D.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Dr.  Stookham’s  “Book  for  every  woman’"  is  worthy  of  careful  perusal, a gem  worthy  to 
be  placed  in  every  household.— E.  A.  Romey,  M.  D.,  Big  Rapids,  Mich. 

We  think  Tokology  a very  valuable  book.  The  chapter  on  “fruit  diet”  in  pregnancy 
worth  the  entire  price  of  the  book.— J.  S.  Hour,  M.D.,  L.  N.  Pettwood,  M.D  Watseka,Ill. 

Tokology  is  just  the  book  for  the  masses.  It  is  carefully  and  scientifically  prepaied 
It  is  chaste  in  tone,  yet  full  of  plain  truths  —A,  B.  Spinney,  M.  D„  Detroit,  Mich. 

This  admirable  work  Tokology  by  Dr.  Stockham  should  interest  every  true  woman 
and  cannot  fail  to  do  good. — C.  P.  Donelson,  M.  D.,  Muskegon,  Mich. 


IBOOKS 


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SEXUAL  PHYSIOLOGY.  A Scientific  and  Popular  Exposition  of  the  Fundamental  Problems 
in  Sociology.  By  R.  T.  Trail,  M.D.  Price  by  mail  §1- 
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FRUIT  AND  BREAD.  A Natural  and  Scientific  Diet.  By  Gustav  Sclickeysen.  Translated 
from  the  German,  by  M.  L.  Holbrook,  M.D.  In  addition  it  also  contains  a Complete  and 
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FROM  THE  CRADLE  TO  THE  SCHOOL.  By  Bertha  Meyer.  The  Rights  of  Children.  By- 
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THE  DIET  CURE.  The  Relations  of  Food  and  Drink  to  Health  and  Disease.  By  T.  L. 

Nichols,  M.  D.  Editor  London  Herald  op  Health.  Price  cloth.  50  cents. 

MEDICAL  HINTS  ON  THE  PROTECTION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  THE  SINGING  VOICE. 
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DEEP  BREATHING;  or,  LUNG  GYMNASTICS.  Price,  cloth,  50  cents. 

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HEALTH  BY  EXERCISE.  By  G.  W.  Taylor,  M.  D.  Cloth,  post  paid,  65  cents. 

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DISEASES  OF  WOMEN.  By  G.  W.  Taylor,  M.  D.  300  pages,  post  paid,  50  cents.  The  best 
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PRE-NATAL  CULTURE.  Suggestions  to  parents  relative  to  systematic  methods  of  moulding 
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“To  the  well-born  child  all  the  virtues  are  natural,  and  not  painfully  acquired.”— E.  TV- 
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THE  DIVINE  LAW  OP  CURE.  l)r.  W.  F.  Evans.  Cloth.  301  pages,  post-paid.  Si .50, 

A complete  explanation  of  the  laws  governiug  ‘'Faith  Cubes.”  Prater  Cubes,” 
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All  of  the  above  works  of  Dr.  Evans  contain  novel  theories  that  are  interesting  to  the 
student. 

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This  is  the  author’s  latest  work,  and  is  a comprehensive  and  succinct  treatise  on  the  cure 
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learned  philosophers  of  the  day,  and  more  than  any  living  person  gives  valnable  practical 
knowledge  on  the  “mind-cure.” 


FAMILY  DOCTOR 


Being  a re-print  of  Dr.  Ruddock’s  “Vade  Mecum.”  “Disease  of  Women.”  “Disease  of 
Infants,”  and  Children,”  and  “Essentials  of  Diet;”  with  notes  and  additional  chapters  by 
James  E.  Gross,  M.D..  author  of  “Compendium  of  Health,”  editor  of  ' Medical  Era," 
member  of  the  “American  Institute  of  Homoeopathy,”  etc.,  etc. 

The  above  will  comprise  a volume  of  some  7 0 pages,  octavo,  printed  in  large,  clear  type, 
on  the  best  paper,  and  will  be  ready  about  January  1st,  18S4.  Price  $3.00. 

It  treats  in  the  plainest  language  of  the  general  condition  of  health:  the  signs  and  emnptoms 
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such  as  baths,  diet,  and  exercise. 

Dr.  Ruddock’s  books  have  had  a remarkable  sale  in  England,  more  than  200  0 0 copies  haring 
been  sold  in  the  past  few  years.  We  predict  an  immense  sale  for  this  work  in  this  country! 
now  that  the  whole  is  bound  in  one  volume,  with  such  valuable  American  notes  by  Dr.  Gross. 


HOW  TO  FEED  THE  BABY  to  make  it  Healthy  and  Happy.  With  health  hints.  By  C.  E. 

Page,  M D.  Third  edition,  revised  and  enlarged.  Paper,  50  cents;  extra  cloth.  75  cts. 
The  new  and  somewhat  radical  views  of  the  author  of  this  little  manual  are  fast  gaining 
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publication  of  this  new  and  revised  edition. 

THE  NATURAL  CURE  OF  CONSUMPTION.  Rheumatism.  Bright's  Disease,  Constipation, 
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HYGIENE  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  THE  CURE  OF  NERYOUSNESS.  By  M.  L.  Holbrook,  M.D. 
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“Get  this  book  and  read  it,  for  it  abounds  in  practical  valuable  knowledge.” 

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EATING  FOR  STRENGTH.  By  M L.  Holbrook.  M.D.  Price,  by  mail,  $1. 

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“Reading  this  book,  I cured  myself  after  several  doctors  had  failed.” — T.  C.  Curtiss.  U.S.A. 
THE  RELATION  OF  THE  SEXES.  By  Mrs.  E.  B.  DufEey,  author  of  “ What  Women  Shonld 
Know.”  “No  Sex  in  Education,”  etc.  Price,  by  Mail,  SI. 

Mrs.  Charles  Brewster , Portland,  Me.,  writes:  “Had  1 possessed  this  book  ten  years  ago  it 
would  have  saved  me  ten  years  of  invalidism,  and  I should  have  been  the  mother  of  healthy 
instead  of  sickly  children  ” 

YOUTH:  ITS  CARE  AND  CULTURE.  By  J.  Mortimer  Granville.  $1. 

To  this  has  been  added  a paper  by  that  charming  English  writer,  Grace  Greenwood,  on  the 
“Physical  Education  of  a Girl,”  and  a paper  on  the  * Dress  of  Girls.” 

TALKS  TO  MY  PATIENTS.  By  Mrs.  B.  Gleason,  M D.  A Practical  Hand-book  for  the  Maid. 
Wife  and  Mother;  with  a beautiful  Photographic  Portrait  of  the  Author.  Price  by  Mail 
$1.50. 

“We  wish  the  chapter,  ‘Confidential  to  Mothers.’  might  be  pnblished  as  a tract  and  sent  to 
every  mother  in  the  land.” — Hirper's  New  Monthly  Magazine. 

THE  BETTER  WAY.  An  Appeal  to  Men  in  behalf  of  Human  Culture  through  a wiser  par 
entage.  By  A.  E.  Newton.  Price  by  mail  25  cents. 

“It  contains  information  and  warning  that  are  urgently  needed.” — Chris'ain  Union. 

S AMT ARY  PUBLISHING  CO.,  159  La  Salle  St.,  CHIC  AGO, 


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FOR  GIRLS. 


Supplement  to  the  Study  of  General  Physiology. 

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We  have  here  a work,  the  need  of  which  has  long  been  felt  by  mothers  and  teachers,  con- 
veying to  girls  that  special  knowledge  so  important  to  them,  but  which,  for  proper  reasons  is 
omitted  from  school  physiologies.  It  discusses  the  Physiology  of  Woman;  The  Age  of  Puberty; 
Menstruation ; Some  of  the  Diseases  of  Women,  their  Causes  and  Prevention ; Relation  to 
Young  Men;  Marriage  and  Motherhood,  and  many  other  topics  of  importance. 

It  is  very  seldom  that  a work  receives  such  strong  words  of  endorsement  as  has  been  given 
to  “For  Girls.” 

1 

“Jennie  June,”  (Mrs.  J.  C.  Crolt,  Editor  of  Demorest's  Magazine,)  says: 

“Mrs.  Shepherd  has  executed  a difficult  task  with  judgment  and  discreation.  She  has  said 
many  things  winch  mothers  find  it  difficult  to  say  to  their  daughters,  unless  forced  hy  some 
act  or  circumstances,  which,  alas,  may  prove  their  warning  comes  too  late.  It  talks  freely 
and  familiarly  with  those  it  is  written  to  br.safit,  and  some  of  its  counsels  wonld  be  as  well 
heeded  by  our  boys,  as  our  girls. 

Dr.  Dio  Lewis  says: 

“It  is  a long  time  since  I have  read  any  work  on  the  subject  of  human  health  with  as  much 
interest  as  your  recent  publication,  ‘For\jirls,’ by  Mrs.  Shepherd.  A philanthropic  person 
could  spend  ten  thousand  dollars  in  no  wiser  way  than  to  place  it  in  your  hands  for  the  dis- 
tribution of  this  inestimable  little  book.” 

Dr.  M.  Augusta  Faikchilp,  author  of  “How  to  be  Well,”  says: 

“ ‘For  Girls’  is  a book  of  unusual  fitness  for  its  mission.  I congratulate  the  woman  who 
has  the  ability  and  the  will  to  do  such  a good  work  for  girls  and  for  matrons.” 

Dr.  C.  E.  Page  says: 

“Of  Mrs.  Shepherd’s  book  I cannot  say  too  much  in  praise.  This  is  the  book  I have  been 
waiting  for.  and  wondering  who  would  come  to  the  front  with  just  such  advice  for  girls  and 
their  mothers.  Mothers  should  get  this  book;  they  need  have  no  fear  of  its  harming  their 
children.” 

Sarah  B.  Stearns,  a member  of  the  “Board  of  Education,’’  at  Duluth  says: 

“It  is  a book  of  inestimable  value  to  the  class  for  which  it  is  intended,  our  precious  girls,  and 
every  mother  should  get  it  for  her  daughter.” 

Mrs.  Clemence  S.  Lozier,  M.D.  of  New  York,  says: 

“I  have  read  ‘For  Girls,’  and  wish  to  give  it  my  hearty  sanction.  Girls  of  to-day  are  the 
‘coming  women’ ; with  them  rests  to  a large  extent,  the  future  health  and  well-being  of  our 
families,  and  the  race.  This  book,  while  it  treats  of  questions  of  the  most  vitalinterest,  is 
written  with  the  utmost  simplicity  and  plainness  in  purity  of  thought  and  diction. 

Mrs.  Caroline  B.  Winslow,  M.  D.,  of  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  an  editorial  in  the  Alpha, 
says : 

“It  is  a book  we  heartily  and  unreservedly  recommend  to  parents,  guardians,  and  friends 
of  young  girls,  to  put  it  in  the  hands  of  their  daughters  and  their  wards.  It  fully  supplies  a 
long  existing  need,  and  completes  the  instruction  ordinarily  given  in  physiology  in  our  high 
school  and  seminaries.  ” 

The  special  attention  of  mothers  and  teachers  is  called  to  it.  with  the  hope  that  they  will 
read  it,  and  convey  to  their  daughters  or  girls  in  their  charge  the  information  given;  or  better 
still  after  reading,  place  it  in  the  hands  of  the  girls  for  whom  it  was  written. 

Sent  by  mail  post-paid  on  receipt  of  price,  §1.00.  Address 

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a coal  fire.  It  is  indispensable  in  the  nursery  or  sickroom,  is  required  by  druggists,  and  for 
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Is  perfectly  safe,  and  cannot  be  exploded  under  any  circumstances.  Requires  no  wick. 

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Small  waists  are  no  longer  fashionable.  A lady  of  artistic  education,  desiring  health, 
comfort  and  usefulness,  no  longer  is  vain  of  a wasD-like  waist.  A Boston  dress-maker  says: 
“Fifteen  years  since  the  average  size  of  the  waist  of  her  customers  from  all  parts  of  the 
United  States  was  twenty  and  twenty-two  inches,  while  now  from  the  same  classes,  the  av- 
erage size  at  the  belt,  is  from  twenty-six  to  thirty  inches." 

The  BATES  WAIST  is  a beautiful  garment,  exquisitely  finished,  thoroughly  made  from  the 
best  cotton  and  supports  the  clothing  on  double  seams,  direct  from  the  shoulder.  It  is  really 
a Venus  wai6t,  giving  the  figure  a supple  form  and  artistic  outline. 

These  waists  give  health,  comfort  and  ability  to  breathe.  Mrs.  Scott-Siddons  after  wearing 
these  waists  remarked  that  her  health  had  greatly  improved;  no  more  neuralgia  or  backache. 
When  she  wore  corsets  she  could  hardly  drag  herself  through  the  last  act,  but  now  she 
could  begin  when  through  and  give  the  entire  program  again. 

A woman  valuing  her  responsibility  to  offspring  will  not  fail  to  secure  these  waists. 

Dr.  A.  B.  STOCKHAM,  author  of  Tokology,  says:  “The  BATES  WAIST  is  what  I have 
sought  for  years.  It  is  really  a ‘THING  OP  BEAUTT,’  is  equable  in  warmth,  supports  the 
skirts,  gives  a handsome  figure,  offers  no  restriction  to  circulation,  digestion  or  respiration 
and  supports  the  bosom  better  than  any  corset.” 

ELIZABETH  STUART  PHELPS  writes:  “The  Bates  Waist  is  thoroughly  satisfactory.” 
MRS.  L.  B.  MONROE : “The  Bates  Waist  is  simply  perfect.” 

DR.  MART  J.  SAFFORD : “Recommends  them  to  all  her  patients.” 

Elocutionists,  singers,  teachers,  clerks,  and  in  fact  every  woman  is  delighted  with  the 
BATES  WAIST. 


ESP*” Agents  wanted.  Address 


SANITARY  PUBLISHING  CO.,  159  La  Salle  St.,  CHICAGO . 


